Tag Archive for: Kylie McBeath

Romances & Practicalities

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:

(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!

Tinder Trivia and Getting Ghosted

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:

(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!

Dear Damona: Dating Groove & Twin Flame’s Twin

It’s February, and love is in the air! But before you start stress-scrolling past all those heart-shaped decorations and candy displays, take a deep breath. Around here, we celebrate love in all its beautiful forms, whether that’s self-love, family bonds, friendship, or yes, even romance.

This week’s Dear Damona episode covers everything from finding love after a 30-year marriage (hello, hot Tinder date in Vienna!) to navigating workplace crushes when there are two potential connections. 

We’re tackling real questions about handling singles mixer dynamics, balancing dating with single parenthood, and even exploring what happens when twin bonds impact romantic relationships. 

So grab your favorite chocolate (because let’s face it, it’s way better than those chalky candy hearts), and settle in for some authentic conversation about finding connection in today’s dating landscape.

(00:25) Dear Damona

Got dating dilemmas? Relationship riddles? 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!

Finding Your Groove After Thirty Years of “I Do” (02:18) 

After three decades of marriage, one listener is rediscovering herself through dating apps – and finding unexpected joy in a Viennese romance. 

As she puts it, “I’m not sure who or what was on my side, but I met a smoking hot 40-year-old guy on Tinder and two days with him made up for everything.” But now she’s wondering: how can she date authentically when she’s not even sure what she’s looking for?

When Two Workplace Connections Make Your Heart Race (09:40)

One listener’s dating groove hit an unexpected twist with two potential connections at work: one her age, one ten years younger.

After a playful arcade date with the younger colleague, she’s questioning if she should explore either connection. As Damona notes, “Dating people at work can be messy. If this is not a career job for you, I say go for it.”

When “Hi” Gets You Goodbye (16:28)

After relocating to a new city, one singles mixer attendee discovers that real-life dating might be taking cues from dating apps – and not in a good way. 

“It’s like people are swiping in real life now,” he shares. “No one takes the time to get to know me before judging what they see.” Is there still hope for those seeking deeper connections in our snap-judgment world?

Making Space for Love While Juggling Life (23:55)

When well-meaning friends suggest putting dating on hold during a busy season of life, one listener pushes back: “That advice makes me cry. I don’t want to stop trying. I’m ready to not be alone.” 

Can you pursue partnership while balancing the demands of single parenthood and family caregiving?

When Twin Bonds Test Relationship Boundaries (34:08)

After investing four years in her relationship, one woman faces a difficult reality about her twin partner. 

Despite owning a house with his brother and living together for decades, he kept promising “if it was the right woman” things would change. “It was one of the most heartbreaking situations I’ve been in,” she shares, discovering that some bonds – especially between twins – might be unbreakable.

How To Be Dateable & Rarely Into Anyone

Dating can be tough these days, even for our regular Dates & Mates listeners who are putting in the work to date with intention. 

Many of us grew up in the Disney Prince and Princess era, absorbing these fairy tales about love at first sight and happily ever after. But as adults, we have had to unlearn those stories and redefine what love looks like in the real world. 

The good news? Today’s singles are stepping onto a new path, one of authenticity and intentionality in dating.

This week, we’re talking with Julie Krafchick and Yue Xu about their brand new book “How to Be Dateable: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Person and Falling in Love.” They share practical strategies that help us date smarter and connect deeper.

(2:03) From First Date Horror Stories to Dating’s Dynamic Duo

When Julie Krafchick and Yue Xu met in San Francisco, neither had figured dating out. 

Together, Yue, a former dating coach who specialized in helping clients “trick” people into liking them, and Julie, with her background in human-centered design, realized none of the old rules worked anymore.

Now, after a decade of hosting the Dateable podcast and launching their dating experiment show Exit Interview, they’ve interviewed thousands of daters and uncovered the truth about modern love. 

In their new book “How to Be Dateable: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Person and Falling in Love,” they share what really works (and what definitely doesn’t) in today’s dating landscape.

The Hidden Reason Modern Dating Feels Impossible (4:05) 

“Back in the day, people dated within their network. They formed organic connections. 

They didn’t have to win people over because they saw these people over and over again,” Yue revealed, highlighting why today’s expanded dating pools create unique challenges.

The conversation explored how dating has evolved from organic community connections to convincing strangers of our worth. While dating apps have expanded our options, they’ve also created new hurdles in our search for authentic connection – and understanding these dynamics is the first step to mastering them.

The Dating Personality Test That Changes Everything (15:38) 

Julie opened up about her own dating patterns as a Dreamer-Achiever type, sharing how it kept her in a two-year situationship: “I would give people the sixth chance… I would think something was more than it was because I was in a fantasy of what I wanted from someone.”

Their five archetypes – the Achiever, Dreamer, Energizer, Maverick, and Thinker – reveal the hidden patterns in our dating lives. 

Through personal stories and real examples, Julie and Yue demonstrate how understanding your type helps you leverage your strengths while spotting potential pitfalls.

The Sunday Dating Rule That Will Save Your Sanity (30:36) 

Though she is partnered now, Julie’s dating app strategy sparked an “aha” moment in the studio – she only logged in on Sundays, the highest traffic day, with notifications turned off. This simple shift transformed her experience from exhausting to energizing.

The conversation dove into why treating dating apps like a full-time job backfires and how setting clear boundaries around your dating energy creates space for genuine connection. 

The Million Dollar Dating Question No One’s Asking (42:49) 

When Julie and Yue introduced their Dating North Star concept, it completely shifted how we think about dating goals. 

Instead of generic aims like “finding a relationship” or “not being lonely,” they dig deeper into what actually drives our desire for partnership.

Through fascinating examples from their research and podcast interviews, they reveal how getting crystal clear on your true dating motivation changes everything about how you approach finding love.

Connect with Julie & Yue:

(41:04) Dear Damona: When the Spark Feels Lost

A listener struggles to find attraction after breaking free from emotionally unavailable partners. Damona shares insights on rewiring attraction patterns and why taking it slow might be the key to finding lasting chemistry.

💌 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 You Get Dumped & Matches on Mute

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:

(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!

Getting It Right This Time & Paying For Premium

We all want to believe in the magic of love. We’ve seen the romcoms and fairy tales, and we crave our own meet-cute. But beyond those fairytales and meet-cutes lies a deeper understanding of connection that could forever transform anyone’s love life.

Orna and Matthew Walters joined us this week to share the knowledge and insights from their new book “Getting it Right This Time: Break Free from Your Hidden Blocks to Find Lasting Love.”

You’ll learn about your love imprint, your pre-wired programming that might be standing in your way when it comes to love, and what you can do to gain back your power and get yourself back on track.

In our Dear Damona segment we tackle choosing the right dating app premium subscription – because let’s face it, dating apps are just tools, and you need to know how to use them effectively!

(3:13) From Dating Disasters to Love Experts: Meet Orna and Matthew Walters 

The founders of Creating Love on Purpose bring their transformative approach to dating to their new book “Getting It Right This Time.” 

Featured on Bravo’s The Millionaire Matchmaker and celebrating their fifth appearance on Dates & Mates, they’ve helped thousands worldwide break free from toxic patterns and find lasting love.

Why Your Brain Keeps Choosing the Wrong Partners (14:32) 

Get ready for a mind-blowing revelation about attraction that will transform how you date forever. 

Learn why that familiar “spark” might actually be your biggest red flag, and discover how to rewire your love GPS for healthier connections.

Stop Eating Raw Relationship Turkey (19:50) 

Why rushing into commitment before really knowing someone is like serving undercooked poultry – and how to know when a relationship is actually ready for the next level.

This fresh perspective will save you from another half-baked situationship.

Childhood Stories That Shape Your Love Life (31:04) 

Think your “perfect” upbringing means you’re immune to relationship struggles? 

Matthew’s surprising journey from avoidant dater to conscious partner will make you rethink everything you believe about relationship readiness.

The Three-Part Path to Love (45:40)

A revealing look at why rushing to manifest your perfect partner without doing the inner work first is a recipe for disappointment. 

The Walters break down their proven three-step approach: awareness, transformation, and, only then, manifestation. This groundbreaking framework explains why some people stay stuck while others find lasting love.

Connect with Orna and Matthew:

(51:31) Dear Damona: Finding Love in Smaller Cities

A listener from Bozeman, Montana, struggles with limited dating options in her area. 

Damona breaks down which dating apps work best for different locations and shares strategies for expanding your dating pool without compromising on distance preferences.

💌 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!

2025 Love Astrology & Lovebombing Bombshell

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:

(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!

New Year Love Meditation & Cultivate Grace

Ready for a different kind of dating reset? While most shows are taking a holiday break, we’re closing out 2024 with something special – a guided visualization journey designed to help you release this year’s dating baggage and open your heart to new possibilities in 2025.

Let’s be real – between the dating app fatigue, situationships that went nowhere, and those “what are we?” conversations that left you spinning, your heart could probably use a moment to just breathe. We explore Tinder’s Year in Swipe report together!

This week’s episode offers exactly that: a peaceful pause to reflect, reset, and reimagine what love could look like in the year ahead.

(2:17) A Fresh Take on Your Dating Reset

Instead of our usual dating strategy session, we’re introducing a meditation experience that feels less like a self-help exercise and more like giving your heart a cozy place to rest and dream. Think of it as a spa day for your dating mindset.

(4:09) Beyond the Vision Board

This isn’t just another “manifest your soulmate” exercise. 

We’re diving into a powerful visualization practice that helps you release those “almost relationships” and create space for real connection. Spoiler alert: it involves a magical forest (trust us on this one).

(9:11) The Game-Changing Dating Mindset Everyone’s Sleeping On

Meet your new dating superpower: GRACE. 

Not the “say your prayers before dinner” kind, but the type that lets you date authentically without the pressure to be perfect. It’s like having a best friend who both calls you out on your stuff and holds space for you to figure it out.

(11:53) Mapping Your 2025 Love Story

Forget generic New Year’s resolutions. We’re teaching you how to create a dating snapshot that actually works – because “find the one” is not the vibe we’re bringing into 2025. 

Learn how to set tangible love goals that align with who you really are.

Ready to transform your approach to love?

Our full Meditation Collection is waiting for you!  And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @DamonaHoffman for daily doses of dating wisdom that keeps it real.

Because remember – you’re not just looking for love in 2025. You are love. Let’s make this your year to shine.

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!

2025 Love Predictions & Year in Swipe

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!

Dating While Gray & The Later Daters

“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.

Dating while gray host laura stassi joins damona hoffman on the Dates & Mates podcast to discuss love and dating at every age

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!

Matchmaker, Matchmaker & Signs of Interest

“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:

(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!

Dear Damona: Got Ghosted & Romance Reimbursement

The holidays are arriving, bringing cozy vibes, family gatherings, and those inevitable dating questions. 

Whether you’re bracing for Aunty Sally’s “Why are you still single?” or wondering if you should bring your new fling to the holiday party, this week’s Dear Damona episode is here to help make your season merry, bright, and drama-free.

(00:25) Dear Damona 

Do you have questions? Damona has the answers! Submit your dating and relationship questions on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, or leave a voicemail or text to 424-246-6255, and hear Damona’s answers in a future episode!

When Chemistry Goes Cold (02:01)

After reading “F the Fairy Tale,” Annie challenged her usual dating patterns and found herself in an emotionally fulfilling relationship. But despite having what she calls “the best boyfriend she’s ever had,” something crucial is missing. 

“He is a very good man and probably the best boyfriend I’ve ever had…but after seven months, I should really be feeling something physical, and there is not. We barely ever even kiss.”

The Silent Treatment Strikes at Four Months (07:58) 

When carefully planned Monday meetups suddenly turn into radio silence, one NYC dater finds himself ghosted after building what seemed like a solid connection. 

“We’ve gotten close and we’ve taken a vacation together, spent multiple nights together…I’ve texted and called twice. No response. Clearly, there’s wrongdoing on both sides, but I can’t be wrong in thinking – Ghosting? You ghosted me after four months?”

Taking the Plunge in the Triathlon Club (16:24)

The endorphins are flowing, and the singles are plentiful, but one athlete wonders if mixing romance with her training group could lead to a winning combination or a workout gone wrong. 

“There are a lot of singles in this club, but no one seems to be asking people out…If there are guys in the group I’m interested in, how can I go about breaking the ice?”

When Gender Roles Crash the Perfect Date (23:55) 

Instant connection…flowing conversation…everything seemed perfect – until a dinner reservation revealed a clash of values that had one dater questioning the whole relationship.

 “She clarified that a man should pay for the dates in the early stages of dating because that’s a man’s job. This bugged me. I like balance in any relationship…That fundamental value difference never left my head.”