January may be known as “divorce month,” but let’s be honest – no matter how common breakups are, they never feel common. They’re confusing, painful, and can feel downright debilitating. 

This week’s guests, mother-daughter duo, Suzy Hopkins and Hallie Bateman, take on heartbreak in a refreshing and real way, sharing the insights within their newly published graphic novel “What to Do When You Get Dumped”. Together they share their raw and relatable guide to navigating one of life’s toughest transitions.

Join us for their journey from heartbreak to healing, exploring everything from giving yourself permission to feel your feelings to finally letting go of what’s holding you back. If you’re navigating the end of a relationship (or know someone who is), this episode is your roadmap and reminder that healing is possible – and happiness is waiting on the other side.

Plus, stay tuned for this week’s Dear Damona, where we tackle a common dating app frustration: why do matches like your profile but never write?

(1:06) “My Husband Left Me During Our Book Tour” 

Suzy Hopkins is a former newspaper reporter and magazine publisher and co-author of “What to Do When I’m Gone.” Her daughter, Hallie Bateman, is a writer and illustrator whose work has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, The Owl, and many others. 

Together, they’ve created “What to Do When You Get Dumped,” a graphic novel guide to navigating one of life’s toughest transitions. The inspiration? Suzy’s own experience of having her husband of 30 years leave her for an old flame just as Suzy and Hallie were about to begin a book tour for their previous work.

When Your Ex Becomes a Stranger (34:07) 

The moment everything changes isn’t just about losing a partner; it’s about losing a language. 

After 30 years of marriage, Suzy found herself unable to speak to her husband as the person she’d known for three decades. “The minute he told me…I could no longer talk to him as my husband. There was a third person in the room at all times, even though she wasn’t physically there.” 

She reveals how this presence transformed their relationship overnight, and shares her unexpected method for maintaining sanity.

Skip the Forgiveness, Find Your Peace (21:03) 

Think you need to forgive to move forward? Think again. 

While wrestling with the end of her marriage, Suzy discovered that the common advice about forgiveness wasn’t serving her healing. Through tears and rewrites, mother and daughter unpack why the pressure to forgive can sometimes do more harm than good. 

They offer a revolutionary perspective on moving forward that doesn’t require you to make peace with what happened – just peace with yourself.

That Restaurant Doesn’t Belong to Your Ex (28:14) 

Your favorite places don’t have to be casualties of your breakup. When Hallie spotted her mom staring up at a meaningful Berkeley hotel, she sparked a conversation about reclaiming spaces from painful memories.

 “That old memory becomes a lot smaller,” Hallie explains, “and I think the story of that place…hopefully becomes the memory that’s in the foreground.” 

Together, they explore why avoiding these places only gives more power to the past and share their creative strategy for transforming old haunts into new havens.

The Two-Hour Healing Plan (38:50) 

Forget about “getting back out there” – sometimes victory is just making it through the next 120 minutes. Through counseling and small acts of survival, Suzy discovered that healing doesn’t happen on Instagram’s timeline. 

She shares how accepting the glacial pace of recovery actually helped her heal faster and why counting the days (all 1,582 of them) became an unexpected source of strength. 

The mother-daughter duo offers a refreshing take on moving forward that doesn’t require you to have it all figured out – just the next tiny step.

Connect with Suzy & Hallie:

• Find their book: “What to Do When You Get Dumped” – available now
• Follow Hallie’s illustrations: @hallithbates

(41:04) Dear Damona

“Hi Damona, my question is – how come guys on Hinge like my profile but never send a message? It’s happening more than usual lately and feels like it’s becoming the new Bumble.”

💌 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!

In this week’s episode, we’re gazing upward and inward as we explore how the stars and planets can guide your love life through the ancient wisdom of Vedic astrology.

Astrology isn’t just about your daily horoscope – it’s about uncovering patterns, timing, and compatibility that can help you make sense of your love life and plan for the future.

Lucky for us, this week’s episode brings back Vedic astrologer Carol Allen, who returns, as she does every January, to share how this sacred practice can illuminate your path to love. This week, she brings her profound insights on relationship timing, compatibility, and the cosmic forecast for 2025.

Plus, stick around for our Dear Damona segment, where we tackle love bombing on dating apps.

(3:13) The Stargazer Who’s Read Over 30,000 Love Charts

Since she started practicing Vedic astrology 34 years ago, Carol Allen has become the go-to love forecast expert for celebrities and everyday romantics alike. 

Featured everywhere from E! to Doctor Drew’s Life Changers, she’s helped thousands understand their cosmic love blueprint through her bestselling book “Love is in the Stars: The Wise Woman’s Astrological Guide to Men.” Now she’s back with an exclusive peek at what the stars have in store for your love life in 2025.

The Golden Windows for Love in 2025 (11:23) 

Circle these dates in your calendar immediately! 

Venus, the planet of love and romance, is serving up some seriously magical moments in 2025. “During these times, Venus is really beautiful and happy,” Carol reveals. “For all of us, we’re going to feel the good mojo in some way.” 

From February’s cosmic love fest to November’s partnership potential, these are the periods when the stars are practically pushing you toward romance.

Why Your Ex Might Come Knocking (And Why That Could Be a Good Thing)  (21:20) 

Remember that almost-relationship that fizzled out? There might be a cosmic reason to give it another shot.

“Venus retrograde is amazing for revisiting unfinished connections or people from the past,” Carol shares. This rare planetary dance from March 3rd to April 13th could reignite old flames or deepen current bonds in ways you never expected.

The Hidden Opportunities in Mercury Retrograde (28:40) 

Think Mercury retrograde is just about communication chaos? Think again. 

Carol reveals how to transform these typically turbulent times into opportunities for deeper connection. With three retrogrades in 2025, her practical wisdom will help you navigate the cosmic weather with confidence.

The Celebrity Love-Match Secret You Need to Know (35:07)

Ever wonder why Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce clicked so quickly? Or how is it that Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s power couple status seems to be written in the stars? 

Using her genius technique for reading cosmic compatibility,  Carol shows how understanding your own celestial blueprint could be the key to finding your perfect match.

Connect with Carol:

• Website: SoulmateStars.com/chartcreator
• Get your Personal Success Calendar at DamonaHoffman.com/mycalendar (Special 60% off for listeners!)

(00:47:59) Dear Damona: When Love Bombing Strikes

A listener asks about handling love bombing on dating apps – when someone showers you with attention and affection, only to suddenly disappear. 

Damona breaks down this modern dating phenomenon and shares strategies for protecting yourself while staying open to genuine 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!

Looking for a crystal ball to peek into the future of dating? 

As we wrap up another year of swipes, situationships, and searching for “the one,” this week’s episode offers something special – a deep dive into what actually happened in dating in 2024, plus some expert predictions that might just revolutionize your approach to love in 2025.

We’re breaking down the fascinating data from dating apps Tinder and Bumble, revealing how modern singles are completely shifting their approach to finding love. If you’ve been feeling the dating landscape changing beneath your feet, you’re not alone – and these trends explain exactly why.

(2:15) The Dating Revolution Hiding in Your Bio

Think your dating profile is just another face in the crowd? Think again. 

This year’s most-used profile phrase reveals a massive shift in how singles are approaching their search for love. 

We unpack why being upfront about what you want isn’t just trending – it’s transforming how we connect.

(4:44) Why Your Next Great Love Story Might Start at Pickleball

Forget endlessly scrolling through profiles. 

The latest data shows a surprising new way people are finding their perfect match. That new hobby you’ve been considering? It just might be your ticket to romance.

(13:20) The New Green Flag That’s Making Everyone Swipe Right

Move over, “good vibes only.” There’s a new quality topping everyone’s must-have list in 2024, and it’s changing the game when it comes to choosing potential partners. 

Learn why emotional stability is the new sexy and how it’s reshaping what we look for in relationships.

(20:57) The Return of Old-School Dating (With a Modern Twist)

Sometimes the best path forward means taking a step back. 

Your friends might be your secret weapon in finding love, and dating apps are finally catching up to this timeless truth. 

The surprising role male friends are playing in modern dating? It might make you rethink your approach to finding “the one.”

(22:20) Why 2025 Could Change Everything

Get ready for a major shift in the dating landscape. 

From the rise of micro-communities to a whole new approach to safety and authenticity, we share predictions for what’s coming next in the world of modern love. 

After 17 years of coaching singles, we’ve got a track record of being right – and these predictions might just change how you date in the year ahead.

Stay tuned for next week’s special New Year’s visualization and meditation episode, designed to help you align your heart and mind for love in 2025.

Read more of Tinder’s Year in Swipe: 2024 Tinder’s Dating Trends of 2024 and what’s ahead for 2025

Dear Damona will be back in 2025!!

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 at every age?” With shows like The Golden Bachelor and Later Daters dominating our screens, there’s a new interest in seeing the dating lives of older daters explored on TV. 

But as Laura Stassi, host of Dating While Gray, reveals in this week’s episode, many of our dating challenges and solutions remain the same, regardless of age, gender, or sexuality. 

Get ready for an insightful discussion about modern dating that challenges conventional wisdom, plus stay tuned for a special Dear Damona segment where Laura joins Damona to answer listener questions about long-distance dating possibilities and navigating intimacy challenges.

(2:19) From Heartbreak to Dating Superstar: Meet Laura Stassi

You won’t believe how Laura turned her own “gray divorce” into a mission to help thousands find love again. 

After a 30-year marriage ended, she didn’t just bounce back – she revolutionized the conversation about dating after 50. 

Now her podcast Dating While Gray connects with thousands of listeners worldwide, proving it’s never too late for a fresh start in love.

Love Has No Age Limit (6:21) 

Think dating at 25 is totally different from dating at 65? 

Laura and Damona bust this myth wide open, revealing how our core desires for connection stay remarkably constant throughout our lives. 

They explore why being older actually gives you some serious advantages in the dating game and how life experience can make you a better partner than ever before.

The Secret Spots Where Love is Hiding (14:04) 

Forget swiping right – Laura shares her genius strategies for meeting potential partners in places you’d never expect. 

From high school reunions to neighborhood barbecues, she’s got the scoop on where real connections happen naturally. 

You’ll be shocked by her stories of couples who found love in the most surprising places and get actionable tips for expanding your own dating pool beyond the apps.

Dating Rules: Keep ‘Em or Trash ‘Em? (21:53) 

Should men still pay on the first date? Is it okay to text first?

What about waiting three days to call? Laura and Damona dive deep into which dating rules are ready for retirement and which timeless traditions actually help build stronger connections. (Their answers may surprise you!)

Get ready for a fresh take on modern dating etiquette that works for any age.

Connect with Laura:

Podcast: Dating While Gray

Instagram: @datingwhilegray

(30:57) Dear Damona & Laura

Ever wondered about starting a long-distance relationship before moving to a new city? Or how to date confidently when dealing with health issues? 

Question from an Anonymous Listener:

Dear Damona, I just turned 70 years old, and I’m in good health. Still working full-time. 24 years ago, the man I was married to at the time transferred us to California. 

I was originally born and raised in Louisiana, and I’m a Southern girl through and through. 12 years ago, I divorced my husband, and I long to go back to the South. I have a daughter who lives in Tennessee, and my desire is to move there and find a lovely southern gentleman and settle down. 

I did try dating sites for a while here in California, but I would prefer to be in the South. I want to go on a dating site in Tennessee, but I’m not sure how that would work. Long distance or even how to go about that? Frequent commuting, of course, is out of the question, and I’m wondering if you think it’s even a good idea to try to look into relationships long distance until the time that I can move there, perhaps in about a year.

Question from a listener named Jenny: 

I am having an awful dating self-esteem issue, and I know that this particular problem is highly common among women. 

You see, after having three kids who are now 27, 25, and 22, and after being a teacher for 30 years, my bladder has taken a huge turn for the worse. Here I sit at 55 years old, feeling like an elderly person in poise pads. The incontinence has gotten out of hand. I’ve had surgery and physical therapy to fix the problem with no luck. 

I am so sick and tired of people making jokes about others needing adult diapers because it is a real problem that keeps me from doing anything that will prevent me from being near a bathroom, as I have to go every hour. And all of these jokes make me feel like I am unsexy and that no man would ever want me. What am I supposed to do with this problem?

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!

“When will I know they’re the one?” It’s the question that’s launched a thousand rom-coms and kept countless singles tossing and turning at night. Along with its equally anxiety-inducing cousins: “What if I’m missing the red flags?” and “Is it too soon to get physical?”

Lucky for us, this week’s episode brings back a true love expert who’s helped thousands find their perfect match. Celebrity matchmaker Aleeza Ben Shalom steps away from her starring role on Netflix’s Jewish Matchmaking to share some serious advice about modern dating – including some unconventional wisdom from her new book “Matchmaker, Matchmaker: Find Me a Love That Lasts.”

Ready to challenge everything you think you know about finding lasting love? Aleeza’s got some surprising insights that might just revolutionize your dating game. Plus, stick around for our Dear Damona segment where we decode the signs that someone’s truly interested in you and talk about dating a co-worker.

(2:14) Meet Aleeza Ben Shalom

Since her last appearance on Dates & Mates, Aleeza Ben Shalom has taken the matchmaking world by storm. 

As the star of Netflix’s Jewish Matchmaking and author of “Matchmaker, Matchmaker: Find Me a Love That Lasts,” she’s connected with over 20,000 people worldwide, from Australia to Argentina, sharing her unique approach to finding lasting love.

Why You Should Date Them Till You Hate Them  (4:02) 

Don’t let first impressions fool you! Aleeza’s famous dating philosophy challenges our quick-judgment culture. 

That little thing bothering you on date one might be meaningless compared to the amazing connection you could discover by date five. 

Aleeza explains when to keep going and when it’s truly time to say goodbye.

The Love-Building Power of Keeping Your Hands to Yourself  (14:42) 

Get ready for Aleeza’s most controversial rule: the “Five Date Challenge” of no physical contact. 

This isn’t just about restraint – it’s about building magnetic attraction and genuine connection. 

She reveals why breaking the touch barrier too soon might be sabotaging your chances at lasting love.

The Secret Mathematical Formula for Relationship Success (21:06) 

Love isn’t all mystery and magic – sometimes it’s about doing the math. 

Aleeza breaks down why shared Netflix preferences matter less than shared values, and explains her fascinating formula for calculating true compatibility. 

Spoiler alert: you need at least 70% alignment in the areas that really count.

Dating By Numbers: The 5-5-5 Rule That Changes Everything (31:04) 

Time to revolutionize your dating strategy with Aleeza’s game-changing framework: five dates, five hours max per date, and never more than five days between meetings. 

This isn’t about playing games – it’s about building unstoppable momentum toward real connection.

Connect with Aleeza:

• Website: AleezaBenShalom.com
• Book: Matchmaker, Matchmaker: Find Me a Love That Lasts 
• Instagram: @aleezabenshalom

(40:20)  Dear Damona: Dating at Work & Reading the Signs of True Interest

Instagram DM from Mor:

I work at a high tech company and there’s a colleague I’m interested in, but I’m not sure if he feels the same way. I’d like to explore how to approach this in a way that would help me understand if he’s interested, and possibly suggest meeting up if it feels right. 

Second, there’s a guy I see sometimes at the office gym. He seems much younger than me, around 27 or 28, and he used to glance my way quite often, but lately not as much. I’m wondering if I should do something to see if there’s potential there, or if I’m just imagining things. How could I better understand if someone is interested in me?

 I’d really appreciate your guidance on both situations.

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!

That pivotal first date – it’s so much more than just a casual hang or nice dinner (actually, skip the dinner date – we’ll tell you why). 

This week, we explore those nerve-wracking moments that could be the portal to the next entire phase of your life. After all, you might be sitting across from someone who’ll one day share your future.

But even when first dates don’t end in sparks, they shape our dating journey and teach us about ourselves. And here’s the good news – with the right preparation, those first-date jitters can transform into pure magic.

Love and relationship expert Lauren Frances joins Damona to reveal when a first date really begins (hint: it’s not when you think) and how to gracefully wrap one up when it’s just not clicking.

Plus, in our Dear Damona segment, we tackle this week’s question: “Everything is going great with my match, but I am still struggling with the idea of commitment.”

(2:31) Meet Lauren Frances

Author of the internationally acclaimed bestseller “Dating, Mating and Manhandling: The Ornithological Guide to Men,” Lauren’s expert advice has graced the screens of Bravo, Extra, VH1, Oxygen, NBC, KTLA, and Fox. 

Through her signature “Romance Camps” and Love Magnet Makeovers, she’s helped countless clients transform their dating lives.

Your First Date Starts Before You Meet (5:53) 

Think your first date begins when you meet for drinks? Think again! 

Lauren reveals why your initial text exchange might be more crucial than you realize, and the surprising reason she insists all her clients make one specific move before meeting in person.

The Enthusiasm Gap: Why You’re Not Getting Second Dates (20:37) 

“A man that’s trying to impress you is impressed with you. A man that’s not trying to impress you is not very impressed with you.” 

Lauren reveals why playing it too cool might be freezing your dating prospects. 

Plus, learn the simple adjustment that helped one of her clients find her future husband on her very next date.

Hotel Lobbies vs. Starbucks: Location Matters (12:18) 

Choosing the right venue could make or break your first impression on a date.

Lauren and Damona break down which date spots send the right signals and which ones might be sabotaging your romance before it begins

Ghost-Proofing Your Love Life (28:59) 

“You are a romantic lifestyle brand, whether you know it or not.” 

Lauren explains why modern dating is like going viral on TikTok – it’s all about creating that “stickiness” factor that makes people want to stay connected. 

Her strategies for standing out in the endless options of today’s dating scene will change how you think about making meaningful connections.

Connect with Lauren:

• Website: LaurenceFrances.com
• Book: Dating, Mating and Manhandling: The Ornithological Guide to Men
• Instagram: @laurenfranceslove
• YouTube: @LaurenLoveRx

(40:20) Dear Damona, Help Me!

Email from Anonymous:

Hi Damona, I love your podcast and your book. I’ve used your book, F the Fairy Tale, as a framework for my dating process. Thank you so much. 

All right, so here’s a question. While the early stages of dating go really well for me when something starts to become a real potential relationship, it gets kind of scary, and I have a mini freak-out. I noticed a lot of the advice you provide centers around the early stages and first dates. Could you please offer some advice for those in the later stages of the process? What if someone meets all of our criteria and we get along well, but we’re feeling overwhelmed with fear and anxiety?

After applying Damona’s framework for a couple of months, I ended up with someone who fits all three of my criteria and does not have my one deal breaker. We get along great, and things are going well. We’ve been seeing each other about twice a week for a couple of months now, but I’m still having trouble with the idea of committing and entering a serious relationship, though that is what I want. Funnily enough, I now feel much more lost without a roadmap now that I’m getting the thing I wanted.

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!