Dates & Mates With Damona Hoffman | Dating And Relationship Advice

Mercury may be retrograde but we are moving forward on a new path to love with an All-Dear-Damona episode. This week’s questions came in from all over the globe: I’ve been told that men should do the chasing. Do I really have to sit around and wait? How do I keep my cool when matches ask questions that I’ve already answered in my dating profile? I’ve done a lot of inner work. How much can I reasonably expect a male match to have done? A famous singer-songwriter reached out to me on Instagram. How do I know if it’s the real deal? Ready to break free of your dating loops? Get Damona’s signature online program The Dating Accelerator, for $50 off this month ONLY:  DamonaHoffman.com/program Use the code: MARCH50 Submit your questions for Dear Damona on any of the socials @DamonaHoffman or by visiting DamonaHoffman.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this jam-packed Master Class you’ll learn why apathy may be the reason you’re feeling burned out in dating and how empathy is the antidote. Damona shares why empathy makes you more attractive, how to cultivate it, and exercises to strengthen both self-empathy and relational empathy. Plus, our Dear Damona questions for the week include: Why are so many people less emotionally available than they say? How can we utilize roster dating for less burnout and better turnout?  I used to find joy in dating. Now it feels like a chore. How can I find joy again?  How can you get a nervous first date to open up and relax? We are giving away 3 audio book copies of F The Fairy Tale in celebration of 550 episodes of Dates & Mates! To enter, just share this episode on your social media and tag Damona @DamonaHoffman and you will be entered for a chance to get the F The Fairy Tale e-book.   If you’re tired of dating burnout then it’s time to identify your dating loops and move on in love. For the entire month of March

Johnny Fernandez, life and love coach, joins Damona to answer the question: is dating really harder today? This is a hot debate and it continues as Johnny and Damona put their four decades of collective experience to work. Whether you're feeling like dating is impossible, or just wondering if you’re doing it all wrong, if you’re intrigued by masculine/feminine dynamics or not, this episode is for you! Then we have this Dear Damona question of the week: After coming on strong, communication with my match has slowed. How do I know if he’s busy or lost interest? Book your tickets to an upcoming Love Breakthrough Live at radianceandcourage.com. The direct link will be in the show notes. You can learn more about Johnny and his wife Lara at @JohnnyAndLara LAST CALL for questions for the February Dear Damona episode! Submit your audio or written questions asap on any of the socials @DamonaHoffman or on voicemail at 424-246-6255 TIMESTAMPS Introduction to Modern Dating Challenges (00:00:00)   The Role of Love C

Lindsay Jill Roth, award winning television producer, shares her new book, “Romances & Practicalities: A Love Story (Maybe Yours) In 250 Questions”, how these questions and ultimately the communication they foster can determine the trajectory of a relationship. Then our Dear Damona question this week is: Is it time for a talk? My man keeps updating his online profile. Get the book: “Romances & Practicalities: A Love Story (Maybe Yours) In 250 Questions” and follow Lindsay on Instagram @LindsayJillRoth  Submit your questions for Dear Damona on any of the socials @DamonaHoffman or by visiting DamonaHoffman.com TIMESTAMPS Introduction to Relationship Questions (00:00:00)   Host Introduction (00:00:13)   Lyndsey's Background (00:02:29)   Creating the System (00:03:51)   Importance of Communication (00:06:08)   Finding Comfort in Asking Questions (00:07:43)   Starting Points for Conversations (00:08:29)   Timing for Relationship Discussions (00:10:35)   Therapy Before Problems Arise (00:11:17)   Inter

Devyn Simone, Tinder’s Resident Relationship Expert, joins Damona in celebration of Valentine’s Day to test Damona’s online dating knowledge in a Tinder Trivia showdown! Whether you’re feeling the love or dodging Cupid’s arrow this year, we’ve got something for you. Then in a special Dear Damona and Dear Devyn, our questions this week are: My matches want to skip getting to know each other and get straight to the date. How do I deal with this? I keep getting ghosted. Am I coming on too strong? You can find Tinder in the App Store or the Google Play Store, and you can find Devyn on Instagram @DevynSimone *This is NOT a sponsored episode* Submit your questions for Dear Damona on any of the socials @DamonaHoffman or by visiting DamonaHoffman.com TIMESTAMPS Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)   Welcome to Dates and Mates (00:00:06)   Introducing Devin Simone (00:02:05)   Catch-Up Between Friends (00:02:41)   Tinder Trivia Game Introduction (00:03:52)   The Evolution of Online Dating (00:04:54)  

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and Damona dedicates this week’s episode to YOU! Whether you're navigating dating apps, dealing with relationship questions, or just trying to avoid all those pink hearts in the grocery store…February can be a tricky time! Set the record straight in this all Dear Damona episode with your top questions like: A hot new match has convinced me the dating apps are worth a second go. How do I do this? My dates aren’t taking the time to get to know the real me.Where can I meet matches dating on a deeper level? Is my dating groove too strong? I have two love interests and both work in the same building. Friends say I should put a pause on dating, but I don’t want to. What do you say? And, my identical twin ex couldn’t peel away from his brother for our relationship. Did I ignore red flags? Ready to break free of your dating loops? Get Damona’s signature online program, The Dating Accelerator by visiting: DamonaHoffman.com/program Submit your questions for Dear Damona on a

Julie Krafchick and Yue Xu, hosts of the Dateable Podcast, share the knowledge and insights from their brand-new book, “How To Be Dateable: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Person and Falling in Love.” Whether you're stuck in the dating rut or just looking for that spark of clarity, they’ve got the tools to help you date smarter and connect deeper. Then our Dear Damona question this week is: Now that I’ve stopped chasing unavailable men, I can’t seem to find anyone that I am attracted to. What do I do? Go to HowToBeDateable.com to grab a copy of “How To Be Dateable: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Person and Falling in Love.” And you can follow Yue and Julie on Instagram @DateablePodcast l LAST CALL to JOIN US LIVE - if you want more tools, support, and community, spend the entire day with Damona and her team while you heal your heart and renew your faith in romance at our one-day-only F the Fairy Tale Virtual Retreat. This live online event is ALMOST SOLD OUT so grab your ticket before it’s gone at

“What To Do When You Get Dumped” author-illustrator, mother-daughter duo, Suzy Hopkins and Hallie Bateman take on heartbreak in a refreshing way in their new graphic novel. Discover tips on healing from a breakup, moving on, and leaning into love again. Plus, we have this week’s Dear Damona question:  Why do my Hinge matches like my profile but then never write to me? Grab your copy of Suzy and Hallie’s graphic novel, “What To Do When You Get Dumped” by visiting: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/what-to-do-when-you-get-dumped-9781639731893/ Let’s get real! Dating feels harder than it should be right now leaving many feeling emotionally drained. That’s why Damona is hosting a special open call: Dealing with Dating Burnout TOMORROW Wednesday, January 22nd at 4p.m. PST / 7p.m. EST. Learn quick tools to protect your energy while staying open to connection, how to recognize if your dating patterns are draining you, and simple shifts to make dating feel more aligned with your values. Visit DamonaHoffman.com/DatingB

Orna & Matthew Walters, founders of Love On Purpose, share the knowledge and insights from their new book, “Getting It Right This Time: Break Free From Your Hidden Blocks To Finding Lasting Love”. You’ll learn how you might be standing in your own way when it comes to love and what you can do to get yourself back on track. And our Dear Damona question this week is: I want to pay for Premium on one app? Should I choose Tinder, Bumble, or OKCupid? Grab a copy of “Getting It Right This Time: Break Free From Your Hidden Blocks To Finding Lasting Love” by visiting: https://www.loveonpurpose.com/getting-it-right-this-time/ Craving another soothing meditation, transformational tools, and a sense of community? For the first time ever, Damona is offering a one-day virtual retreat on February 1st. Enrollment is NOW OPEN for The Fairy Tale Therapy Online Retreat but spaces are limited. Get your ticket now at  DamonaHoffman.com/retreat  Submit your questions for Dear Damona on any of the socials @DamonaHoffman or by

Carol Allen, Vedic astrologer, returns to kick off 2025 with her annual love forecast in an episode packed with guidance and revelations. Whether you’re single and searching, navigating a partnership, or simply curious about how the stars align for you, this episode will illuminate your path to love by highlighting the times you should lean into love, when you should play it cool and when to follow up on old flames. Plus, our Dear Damona question of the week: What’s up with all this lovebombing on dating apps? Map out your year and your journey in love with a Personal Success Calendar from Carol Allen. Head to DamonaHoffman.com/mycalendar to get 60% off your personalized astrology daily forecast. Craving another soothing meditation, transformational tools, and a sense of community? For the first time ever, Damona is offering a one-day virtual retreat on February 1st. The Fairy Tale Therapy Online Retreat is available by invitation-only and Damona is hand-selecting each participant in this life-changing eve

Damona offers a visualization to guide you through the ups and downs of this year and plant seeds for a 2025 full of love in this special minisode. Then, she shares her word of the year along with an exercise that you can try today to begin transforming your love journey. Craving another soothing meditation, transformational tools, and a sense of community? For the first time ever, Damona is offering a one-day virtual retreat on February 1st. The Fairy Tale Therapy Online Retreat is available by invitation-only and Damona is hand-selecting each participant in this life-changing event. Apply today at DamonaHoffman.com/retreat The song in this episode is called Meditation On Love and is by Kirk Osamayo. It is from the Free Music Archive, license type CC BY. TIMESTAMPS Introduction to the Episode (00:00) Tangible Love Goals (00:09) Visualization and Meditation Introduction (01:04) Year-End Reflection (02:17) Letting Go of Past Disappointments (04:09) Visualizing a Hopeful Future (05:54) The Concept of Grace (

Damona shares reflections on the swiping stats from 2024 based on Tinder and Bumble trends from their year-end reports. Then she looks forward to the future to predict what you can expect in the world of dating and relationships in 2025.  Are you feeling burned out on dating—like you’re giving so much but getting nothing back? Then join Damona on February 1st for a one-day virtual retreat - Fairy Tale Therapy, where you’ll reconnect with yourself and a community of hopeful daters who get it. Together, you’ll set powerful intentions for your love life, uncover new dating tools, and recharge your self-love battery so you can step into the new year with clarity and confidence. Apply asap, spaces are limited and each attendee will be hand-picked by Damona: DamonaHoffman.com/retreat TIMESTAMPS Introduction to Holiday Challenges (00:00) Reflections on 2024 Trends (00:01) Tinder Year in Swipe Report (00:02) Vision Boards in Dating (00:04) Bumble Global Dating Trends (00:05) Micro Romance and Its Impact (00:05) Com

Laura Stassi, author and host of the Dating While Gray podcast, reveals how many of our dating challenges and solutions remain the same, regardless of age, gender, or sexuality. And Laura joins Damona for a special Dear Damona segment to answer your questions, like: I’d like to move to Tennessee and meet a Southern gentleman. Should I start dating long distance in the meantime? I have a medical issue that is lowering my self esteem. How can I move past this and begin dating again? Listen to the Dating While Gray podcast wherever you get your podcasts and be sure to follow Laura on Instagram @DatingWhileGray Ready to break free of your dating loops? Get Damona’s signature online program, The Dating Accelerator by visiting: DamonaHoffman.com/program Submit your questions for Dear Damona on any of the socials @DamonaHoffman or by visiting DamonaHoffman.com TIMESTAMPS Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)   Guest Introduction (00:01:15)   Laura's Background (00:02:19)   Podcast Journey (00:05:41)   M

Aleeza Ben Shalom, celebrity matchmaker of Netflix’s Jewish Matchmaking, shares actionable advice to help you find your path on this dating journey with wisdom from her new book “Matchmaker, Matchmaker: Find Me a Love That Lasts”. And the Dear Damona question this week is: What are the signs that someone is interested in you? Pre-order your copy of Aleeza's new book, “Matchmaker, Matchmaker: Find Me a Love That Lasts”, by visiting: https://marriagemindedmentor.com/book/ And, follow Aleeza on Instagram @AleezaBenShalom! Ready to break free of your dating loops? Get Damona’s signature online program, The Dating Accelerator by visiting: DamonaHoffman.com/program Submit your questions for Dear Damona on any of the socials @DamonaHoffman or by visiting DamonaHoffman.com TIMESTAMPS Intro (00:00:00)   Finding your personal dating playbook (00:01:03)   Meet Aleeza Ben Shalom (00:02:14)   Aleeza's journey as a matchmaker (00:02:50)   Date them till you hate them (00:04:02)   The three-date rule (00:05:30)  

This week’s episode is dedicated to YOU! The holidays are here, bringing all the cozy vibes, family gatherings, and… yep, those inevitable relationship questions. Damona answers all your pressing holiday love questions, from family expectations to finding romance under the mistletoe.She will answer your top questions like: I have been dating a wonderful man for 7 months now and STILL don’t feel a physical connection. Is it time to call it quits? I got ghosted after 4 months of dating, is it something I said? I am interested in some of the singles in my triathlon club. Do I shoot my shot or is it too risky? She made the reservation but then asked for my credit card to reimburse her the deposit. Is that a petty red flag? Ready to break free of your dating loops? Get Damona’s signature online program, The Dating Accelerator by visiting: DamonaHoffman.com/program Submit your questions for Dear Damona on any of the socials @DamonaHoffman or by visiting DamonaHoffman.com TIMESTAMPS Intro (00:00:00)   Unce

Lauren Frances, Love and Relationships Expert, talks all about first dates from when they start (it’s not when you think) to how to graciously end one that’s just not working for you. And our Dear Damona question of the week is, “My match is great, not a single dealbreaker, and I STILL can’t wrap my head around commitment. What now?” Want to join Lauren’s incredible Love Magnet Makeover? Just visit DamonaHoffman.com/lovemagnet Submit your questions for Dear Damona on any of the socials @DamonaHoffman or by visiting DamonaHoffman.com Timestamps Intro (00:00:00)   The First Date Starts Early (00:00:09)   Preparation for First Dates (00:00:14)   Value of First Dates (00:01:05)   Introducing Lauren Francis (00:02:05)   Persistence in Publishing (00:03:09)   Timing in Dating (00:04:38)   Transitioning to Phone Calls (00:05:53)   Setting Up Phone Conversations (00:07:25)   Importance of Privacy (00:09:10)   Breaking the Ice (00:11:21)   Choosing the Right Date Venue (00:12:18)   Being Seen on Dates (

Dr. Alfiee, psychologist, host of the Couched in Color podcast and founder of the AAKOMA Project, dives into attachment styles, how depression can impact a partnership, and the ways our traumas and triggers can become unearthed in new relationships. Then this week’s Dear Damona question is: I married too young and stayed too long. Can you please help me get back into the dating game? Ready to break free of your dating loops? Get Damona’s signature online program, The Dating Accelerator by visiting: DamonaHoffman.com/program Submit your questions for Dear Damona on any of the socials @DamonaHoffman or by visiting DamonaHoffman.com Timestamps Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)   Attachment Styles Overview (00:00:59)   Expectations in Relationships (00:03:30)   The Desire to Change Partners (00:05:04)   The Fantasy of Relationships (00:06:13)   Effort vs. Work in Relationships (00:08:01)   Unpacking Emotional Baggage (00:08:35)   Understanding Attachment Styles (00:09:55)   Cultural Context of Att

Whether you’re navigating cuffing season, gearing up to meet someone's family for the holidays, or figuring out how to take your dating game to the next level— Damona dedicates this week’s episode to YOU! She’s answering your toughest Dear Damona questions, like: I struggle to find matches in my area and while I am willing to travel, many men aren’t. So what now? My matches keep removing their profiles once we exchange numbers. What’s going on here? When should daters consider sleeping together? Are gender roles changing or do men still have to be the initiator? Find Damona and submit your questions on any of the socials @DamonaHoffman or by visiting her website DamonaHoffman.com/contact Bad news…we filled our last spot for the year.  Good news!! We opened ONE BONUS for VIP coaching this fall. Last chance to get one on one coaching with Damona and her team. Want to snag our lucky last spot? Register for an intro call at DamonaHoffman.com/introcall asap! TIMESTAMPS Intro (00:00:00) Does This Mean H

Esther Lee, Deputy Editor of The Knot, breaks down the stats released in the website’s Relationship & Intimacy Study, and spills the tea on where singles are finding love, what they’re actually looking for, how they’re spending their time on dates, and those dating dealbreakers we just can’t shake. And, this week’s Dear Damona question is: Is a bra an appropriate gift for a young couple? Ready to break free of your dating loops? Get Damona’s signature online program, The Dating Accelerator at 10% off (for limited time only) using the code PODCAST10: DamonaHoffman.com/program LAST CALL - Just 1 spot remains for the VIP one-on-one coaching program this year. Serious applicants should book an assessment call ASAP with our head of coaching programs: DamonaHoffman.com/introcall Submit your questions for Dear Damona on any of the socials @DamonaHoffman or by visiting DamonaHoffman.com Timestamps Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00) Damona's Welcome (00:00:13) Introducing Esther Lee (00:01:04) Damona's Pe

Benjamin Camras, The Flirt Coach & host of the Flirtations Flirtcast, joins Damona for our annual Halloween Dating Horror Stories Special. You’ll laugh, you’ll scream, and you’ll get useful advice to survive your next bad date. Stories include: Blindsided by a Blind Date The Vegetarian Variation The Creepy Car Concert The Deskside Date The Freudian Movie Man Ready to break free of your dating loops? Get Damona’s signature online program, The Dating Accelerator at 10% off (for limited time only) using the code PODCAST10: DamonaHoffman.com/program Only 1 spot remains for the VIP one-on-one coaching program this year. Serious applicants should book an assessment call ASAP with our head of coaching programs: DamonaHoffman.com/introcall Submit your questions for Dear Damona on any of the socials @DamonaHoffman or by visiting DamonaHoffman.com TIMESTAMPS Introduction to Halloween Horror Stories (00:00:00) Listener Engagement (00:00:07) Benjamin the Flirt Coach Introduction (00:02:18) Costume Reveal (