Do dating apps have you feeling exhausted? Tired of matches who never read your profile? This week’s all-Dear-Damona episode tackles your biggest dating frustrations with straight-to-the-point advice.

From outdated “men should chase” myths to those frustrating matches who never read your profile, we tackled the dating dilemmas keeping you up at night.

Whether you’re dusting off your dating apps, stepping back into the social scene, or just trying to figure out if that celebrity DM is legit (spoiler: it’s probably not) we’ve got you covered.

(00:57) Hot Topics on the Dating Agenda

This week’s listener questions covered everything from making the first move to spotting sophisticated romance scams, proving once again that sharing our dating struggles helps everyone navigate this wild journey together.

• Should women ever make the first move?
• How to handle matches who never read your dating profile
• Finding partners who’ve done their own personal growth work
• Determining if that celebrity sliding into your DMs is legit or a scam

Spoiler alert: one of these situations could cost you more than just your heart!

(01:53) Is “Men Should Chase” Just an Outdated Myth?

“What year is it? It’s 2025, right? I was just checking because I wanted to remind you that we do not live in the olden times,” Damona quipped when Angela called wondering if women making the first move has “psychological consequences.”

Angela’s heard all about how “men are programmed to chase women,” but the men pursuing her aren’t the ones she’s interested in.

This outdated notion belongs in the history books alongside other dating myths that are holding you back from finding genuine connection.

(10:58) When Your Dating Profile Goes Unread

Spent hours crafting the perfect dating profile only to have matches immediately ask questions you’ve already answered? Brigid’s frustration might mirror your own!

We tackled why this happens so frequently and shared a refreshing perspective that might change how you respond. 

After all, dating apps are a numbers game – but that doesn’t mean you can’t play to win!

(20:41) Finding Partners Who’ve Done the Inner Work

After investing in therapy and personal development, Karina wonders if looking for men who’ve done similar work makes her “unicorn hunting.”

Turns out, the stats on men in therapy might surprise you! 

We crunched the numbers and discovered an eye-opening reality about the dating pool when it comes to emotional intelligence and personal growth.

(28:45) Is That Celebrity DMing You? Probably Not.

“Jane, you sound like a very logical person with a good heart who really just wants to be loved,” Damona shared with a listener caught in what had all the warning signs of a sophisticated romance scam.

When someone claiming to be a famous singer-songwriter contacts you through an “unverified fan account,” should you believe it? 

We unpacked the red flags that everyone should know about – especially when gift card requests enter the picture!

💌 Do you have questions? Damona has the answers!

Don’t forget you can submit your dating and relationship questions for our Dear Damona segment on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, or leave us a voicemail or text to 424-246-6255, and hear Damona’s answers live in a future episode!

Is Finding Love Different in 2025? (The Answer Might Surprise You)

Between crafting the perfect text response, managing multiple dating app profiles, and dealing with unexpected ghosting, modern dating can feel like a full-time job. But is finding love actually harder today, or is it just a different game that needs new rules?

In this week’s episode of Dates & Mates, relationship expert Johnny Fernandez brings two decades of love-coaching wisdom to challenge everything you thought you knew about modern dating.

As the creator of Love Breakthrough Live, Johnny’s unconventional approach has helped thousands find lasting love – and his take on today’s dating landscape might just change your entire perspective.

(2:20) This Former Lawyer Cracked the Love Code

When Johnny Fernandez’s wife kept extending her chiropractic appointments to give dating advice, they discovered something revolutionary about modern love. 

Now, after 20 years of helping thousands find lasting relationships, their unconventional approach is challenging everything we thought we knew about dating. 

Johnny shares how their accidental start in love coaching unveiled patterns of success that anyone can follow.

(6:21) The Dating Pool Paradox

Could having more dating options actually be the solution rather than the problem? Johnny breaks down fascinating research about modern dating challenges while revealing why today’s expanded opportunities might be your greatest advantage.

Learn how successful couples are leveraging choice to create stronger connections, and why the “good old days” of dating might not have been as golden as we think.

(14:04) Why “Playing It Cool” Is Killing Your Love Life

Tired of trying to seem unbothered? Johnny introduces a refreshing framework for authenticity in dating that’s helping singles stand out for all the right reasons.

Is traditional dating advice about keeping your cards close to your chest sabotaging your chances at real connection? Learn Johnny’s proven strategies his clients use to attract partners who are ready for something real.

(21:53) The One Phrase That Changes Everything

Johnny shares the exact words that help his clients filter out casual daters and attract serious partners from the first interaction. 

Certain types of dates might be undermining your relationship potential! How can you communicate your standards without pushing quality partners away? Plus, discover the psychology behind why this approach works with today’s dating dynamics.

(27:15) The Career Success Dating Trap

Think your impressive resume is attracting the right partners?

Johnny presents compelling evidence about how modern achievement culture impacts our love lives.

Learn why leading with your professional success might be sending unintended signals, and discover how to showcase your accomplishments while creating genuine emotional connections.

Connect with Johnny:

• Experience Love Breakthrough Live events
• Follow @JohnnyandLara on Instagram

(30:57) Dear Damona: When Distance Tests Your Heart

Damona addresses a 70-year-old listener contemplating a cross-country move for love, offering practical guidance on maintaining standards while navigating geographical challenges. 

Plus, she shares valuable insights for managing dating confidence while dealing with personal health situations that affect intimacy.

💌 Do you have questions? Damona has the answers!

Don’t forget you can submit your dating and relationship questions for our Dear Damona segment on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, or leave us a voicemail or text to 424-246-6255, and hear Damona’s answers live in a future episode!

Love, Dating, and the 250 Questions That Could Transform Your Love Life…

It’s 2025, and if there’s one thing many of us crave, it’s a roadmap to romance – a way to navigate the complex journey from that first spark to a lasting flame. While we can’t promise you a yellow brick road to love, this week’s episode offers something more valuable: a practical system for determining if your connection has true staying power.

Join us as we explore a revolutionary approach to modern dating that combines authentic communication with strategic timing. Plus, we’ll tackle a compelling “Dear Damona” segment that hits close to home, addressing the delicate balance of vulnerability and defining the relationship in our digital age.

(1:03) From Emmy-Nominated Producer to Love Story Architect

Meet Lindsay Jill Roth, the award-winning television producer behind Emmy-nominated shows and global events for NBC, ESPN, and the Grammys. 

Now she’s turned her storytelling expertise to decode the narrative of lasting love, bringing a fresh perspective to how we approach relationships. 

Fun fact: her college bestie and maid of honor is none other than the Duchess of Sussex!

When Google Becomes Your Dating Coach (2:06)

After one pivotal FaceTime call threatened to derail her budding romance, Lindsay took an unexpected deep dive into relationship research. 

Discover how her late-night Google search for “how to know someone better” evolved into a groundbreaking system that’s helping couples worldwide determine their compatibility. 

Through conversations with top relationship experts and real-world testing, she uncovered the power of asking the right questions at the right moment.

The Two-Sense Connection (15:38)

What happens when you strip away touch, taste, and smell from early dating? 

Lindsay’s transatlantic love story reveals how limiting yourself to just sight and sound might actually deepen your connection. Learn why traditional dating rules could be sabotaging your chance at authentic love, and how strategic communication can bridge any distance – even an ocean. 

Plus, uncover the unexpected advantage of being forced to truly talk before getting physical.

Beyond “What’s Your Favorite Movie?” (30:36)

Forget surface-level chit-chat – it’s time to dive deep into the questions that actually predict relationship success. 

From financial philosophies to family dynamics, Lindsay breaks down why discussing your future in-laws’ sleeping arrangements might matter more than your shared Netflix preferences. 

Learn the art of timing these conversations for maximum impact, and why some couples find these discussions so intimate they can’t help but put the book down mid-chapter.

The Truth About Vulnerability in Modern Dating (42:49)

Ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about playing it cool? 

Lindsay shares two controversial perspectives that might make you rethink your entire approach to relationships. 

Discover why being authentically yourself from the start could be your secret weapon in finding lasting love, and how dropping “The Rules” might actually lead you to the right person.

Connect with Lindsay:

• Instagram: @lindsayjillroth
• Website: http://lindsayjillroth.com/ 
•  “Romances and Practicalities: A Love Story May Be Yours in 250 Questions”

(43:21)Dear Damona: When Your Match Is Still Swiping

When a listener spots their promising match still updating their dating app profile, Damona shares her own journey through this exact situation with her now-husband. 

Get candid advice about when to have that defining conversation, how to approach it with confidence, and why this seemingly uncomfortable moment might be the perfect opportunity to deepen your connection.

💌 Do you have questions? Damona has the answers!

Don’t forget you can submit your dating and relationship questions for our Dear Damona segment on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, or leave us a voicemail or text to 424-246-6255, and hear Damona’s answers live in a future episode!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! Whether you’re feeling the love or dodging Cupid’s arrow, we’ve got something special for you.

In this episode, we’re celebrating all things love and dating with a fun twist – testing our knowledge with Tinder Trivia! Professional matchmaker and Tinder’s resident relationship expert Devyn Simone steps into the hot seat to challenge conventional dating wisdom and reveal surprising truths about finding love in the digital age.

Plus, we’ve got a special “Dear Damona & Dear Devyn” segment with two burning questions from our listeners about ghosting and dating app dynamics.

(41:04) Tinder’s Go-TO Guru Who Found Love on an App (Twice)

For anyone wondering whether dating apps actually work, Devyn Simone brings proof positive – complete with a ring! 

This powerhouse matchmaker and dating expert has gone from sharing wisdom on Good Morning America and The Today Show to co-hosting “Love at First Swipe” on TLC with Clinton Kelly.

Now, as Tinder’s resident relationship expert, she’s pulling back the curtain on what really works in modern dating. Her own success story was so compelling it earned a spotlight in Damona’s book “F the Fairy Tale”!

Game On: Tinder Trivia Reveals Surprising Dating Truths (9:08) 

The game kicks off with a challenge that catches everyone off guard: Which day sees the most activity on dating apps? 

As Devyn puts the question to the test, the conversation explores how timing can make all the difference in your dating app success. From peak usage hours to the psychology behind why certain days lead to more matches, this segment uncovers data-driven insights that most users never consider.

Myth-Busting: What Singles Really Want (15:38)

Think most people on dating apps are just looking for casual connections? Think again. 

The trivia continues with shocking statistics about what men and women are actually seeking on Tinder. The numbers tell a completely different story than what most people assume, leading to an eye-opening discussion about how these misconceptions affect dating behavior. 

Devyn shares real stories from her years of matchmaking experience that challenge everything singles think they know about dating app culture, while revealing how these insights can lead to more authentic connections.

The Profile Photo Strategy No One Talks About (30:36)

The next round of trivia dives into the science of profile photos, revealing exactly how long successful daters spend selecting their images. 

This sparks a fascinating conversation about the psychology behind profile photos and how Tinder’s new AI-powered tools are changing the game. The discussion explores common photo mistakes that might be sabotaging potential matches, along with practical strategies for showcasing authenticity in a digital world.

The Dating Feature That Can Expand Your Matches (42:49) 

The final trivia round unveils Tinder’s most powerful yet underutilized feature for expanding dating possibilities. 

This revelation leads to an in-depth exploration of how geography affects dating success and why thinking outside your zip code might be the key to finding meaningful connections. We challenge traditional assumptions about distance and dating, offering fresh perspectives on how to expand your dating pool without compromising on what matters most.

Connect with Devyn:

• Instagram: @DevynSimone
• Website: DevynSimone.com

(41:04) Dear Damona & Dear Devyn

• When “Let’s Meet Up” Comes Too Soon

Siggy asks: “How do you suggest handling men on apps who seem to just want to set up a date from the onset before even exchanging any texts? Video chat requests seem to make them disappear.” 

Our experts break down why this behavior is actually a gift in disguise and share strategies for maintaining your standards while efficiently screening potential matches.

• Why Do the “Good Ones” Keep Disappearing?

B writes: “Why is it that when I feel like I meet a quality guy and we connect, they ghost me or it doesn’t lead anywhere? Could I be coming on too strong with my excitement?” 

Devyn and Damona explore the psychology behind this common pattern, offering insights on attachment styles, emotional availability, and how to maintain enthusiasm while protecting your energy.

💌 Do you have questions? Damona has the answers!

Don’t forget you can submit your dating and relationship questions for our Dear Damona segment on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, or leave us a voicemail or text to 424-246-6255, and hear Damona’s answers live in a future episode!