Dates & Mates With Damona Hoffman | Dating And Relationship Advice

REWIND: Dear Damona – Besties’ Bro & Never Been Kissed In this standout Dates & Mates Rewind episode, Damona tackles your real dating dilemmas with her signature no-nonsense advice. From navigating awkward crushes to handling tricky conversations about intimacy, this episode is packed with guidance to help you date with clarity and confidence. If you’ve ever wondered what to do when your boyfriend avoids sex, how to approach dating when you’ve never been kissed, or whether it’s okay to filter for men with degrees, this episode has you covered. You’ll also hear Damona’s take on modern challenges like dating someone with an OnlyFans account, dealing with phones on dates, and whether fudging your age on apps is ever worth it. What you’ll learn: How to stop hiding behind dating app filters and set meaningful standards What to say when intimacy is missing in your relationship When it’s time to stay or go in a relationship that feels stuck The truth about age on dating apps — and whether honesty

This week on Dates & Mates, Damona Hoffman rewinds to her 400th episode featuring a guest who helped inspire the show from the start: the legendary Dr. Drew Pinsky. Dr. Drew has spent decades giving love, sex, and mental health advice on Loveline, Celebrity Rehab, and now on his podcast Ask Dr. Drew, which he co-hosts with his wife of over 30 years. In this vulnerable and heartfelt episode, Dr. Drew shares his personal journey through a seven-year on-and-off courtship, what finally made him ready for commitment, and how he and his wife maintain a strong marriage after decades together. Plus, he joins Damona to answer your dating questions in a special extended Dear Damona segment. What you’ll learn: Why emotional readiness matters more than "the one" How to navigate on-again/off-again dynamics with clarity When to disclose a medical condition or disability to a new partner Why gratitude and daily check-ins are key to long-term love What makes someone feel "unapproachable" in dat

This week on Dates & Mates, Damona Hoffman rewinds to one of her favorite conversations with love coach and viral content creator Shaun Galanos. Shaun is the host of The Love Drive podcast and has become a rising voice in game-free, radically honest dating advice—and this episode shows you exactly why. In this raw and radically honest episode, Shaun and Damona go head-to-head on the dating games that hold us back, how to ask for what you want in bed, and what to do when someone won’t give you a straight answer. From emotional stonewalling to the pressure of dating app perfectionism, they unpack it all. What you’ll learn: Why radical honesty is the only dating strategy worth mastering How to bring up uncomfortable topics without pushing people away What stonewalling actually says—and how to respond to it How to explore kink, sexual compatibility, and deeper intimacy with confidence Why optimizing for the “perfect” person might leave you lonely How to hold your power as a st

We are back with a no-holds-barred Best of Dear Damona episode—because when it comes to texting mishaps, mixed signals, and dating curveballs, this one hits home every time. In this candid conversation, Damona answers some of your juiciest dating dilemmas—from the accidental text that lands in the wrong inbox to what it really means when someone texts you “hey you” at 11:30 PM. She shares smart, compassionate advice on navigating confusing signals, staying grounded, and owning your truth in the dating game. What you’ll learn: How to respond and recover when you send the wrong text to your date Whether it’s okay to ask for better photos—and how to do it playfully The real timeline for exclusivity (spoiler: you don’t have to rush) Why it’s okay to date multiple people—and how to know when to choose How to disclose chronic conditions or disabilities with confidence Why shared values matter more than shared hobbies This episode is part of our Rewind Series, where we revisi

Damona breaks down the 5 core dating “loops” that keep singles stuck and the step-by-step strategies that lead to lasting love. With over 15 years of experience coaching thousands of daters, Damona shares how clarity, mindset, and follow-through can radically shift your dating outcomes. If you’ve been swiping without success, burning out on first dates, or unsure where to even begin, this episode offers a simple and strategic path forward. What you’ll learn: The five most common dating loops and how to break them How to avoid burnout by dating with clarity and purpose Where to actually meet the right people (online and IRL) Why your dating mindset matters more than your profile This is a special masterclass edition of our Rewind Series, where we revisit some of the most powerful and timeless conversations from the Dates & Mates archives. Subscribe to get every rewind episode and our Spring special bonus episodes the minute they are available. Want to go deeper? Learn more at Damona

Fan favorite, Dr. Orna Guralnik, renowned psychoanalyst and host of the hit Showtime series Couples Therapy, shares what decades of clinical work have taught her about love, connection, and unconscious patterns in relationships. In this conversation, Dr. Orna also opens up about the societal shifts reshaping modern intimacy, the difference between psychoanalysis and surface-level self-help, and why listening, real, curious listening, is a radical act in partnership. What you’ll learn: How your unconscious motivations shape relationship patterns Why privilege must be acknowledged for real connection to happen How to create transformation in a partner without “fixing” them Why curiosity is the first step to emotional healing This episode is part of our Rewind Series, where we revisit some of the most powerful and timeless conversations from the Dates & Mates vault. Subscribe to get every rewind episode and our Spring special bonus episodes the minute they are available. Catch Dr. Orna

Nick Viall, TV personality and host of the hit podcast The Viall Files, gets real about modern dating—from DM slides to ghosting games—and why the story we tell ourselves about love might be holding us back. In this candid conversation, Nick reflects on his years in the Bachelor franchise, what finally made love stick, and the overlooked ways women can help men feel safe, seen, and emotionally available.  Plus, in a special Dear Damona & Dear Nick segment, the two team up to answer your toughest love dilemmas—from long-distance moving logistics to mixed signals that never quite become dates. What you’ll learn: How to slide into DMs without overthinking it Why the “how we met” story isn’t as important as we think What men wish women knew about emotional safety How to handle a situationship that keeps circling back This episode is part of our Rewind Series, where we revisit some of the most powerful and timeless conversations from the Dates & Mates vault. Subscribe to get every rewind

Former First Lady Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson, co-hosts of the IMO Podcast, join Damona for a compelling conversation on navigating connection in the digital age. Together, they share insights into how they maintain strong family bonds across long distances and the role of technology in bridging that gap. What You’ll Learn: How Michelle and Craig keep connected with loved ones despite busy schedules and miles apart The surprising benefits of texting vs. phone calls in sustaining relationships How to bring spontaneity back to phone conversations without overwhelming your schedule Why FaceTime and family Zoom calls became a lifeline during the pandemic—and how they continue to use them to stay close Practical tips for setting communication boundaries that promote genuine connection This conversation isn’t just about tech—it's about purposefully using it to deepen the relationships that matter most. Subscribe to get every new Dates & Mates episode as soon as i

Fan favorite, Jennifer Cook, bestselling author, and autism advocate shares her experience as the on-camera expert from the hit Netflix series Love on the Spectrum. In this conversation, Jennifer also opens up about her late-in-life autism diagnosis, the challenges of dating with a neurodivergent brain, and the surprising tools that can help anyone date with more clarity and compassion. What you’ll learn: How neurodiverse and neurotypical daters alike can build intentional communication Practical tools for managing sensory overwhelm on a date The subtle power of “tell me more” Why preparation and presence are the keys to connection This is the first episode of our Rewind Series, where we revisit some of the most powerful and timeless conversations from the Dates & Mates archives.  Subscribe to get every rewind episode and our Spring special bonus episodes the minute they are available. Catch Jennifer in the latest season of Love on the Spectrum (streaming now on Netflix) Follow her @J

In this special Master Class episode, Damona explains the effect that text-based communication has had on dating today. But rather than thinking of it as us losing the art of communication, she proposes that we consider it as gaining another language and expanding our skills. Prepare to develop a communication code of conduct that will hopefully lead you to a deeper, more meaningful connection! 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

Laura Day, New York Times bestselling author, shares the insights within her upcoming book, “The Prism: Seven Steps to Heal Your Past and Transform Your Future”. Her transformational tools will put you back in the driver's seat of your life and lead you to healthier relationships with others and yourself. Our Dear Damona question of the week: Where do you draw the line between being too picky and settling? Pre-order your copy of Laura’s book,“The Prism: Seven Steps to Heal Your Past and Transform Your Future”, set to be released April 29th, by visiting lauraday.com/shop/ Follow Laura on Instagram @LauraDayIntuit  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

Damona shares a rare peek behind the curtain of one of her private coaching sessions, with the client’s permission of course! Hear firsthand how she teaches her clients to use their own intuition in dating and beyond. Plus you’ll get to see exactly how Damona uses her own intuition while coaching singles in love from how to tune in, what to look and listen for, and exercises to get started yourself. Whether you’ve been ignoring your gut or just want to sharpen your instincts, this episode is going to help you reconnect with one of your most powerful dating tools—you. Interested in booking your own solo coaching session? Email Asst@DamonaHoffman.com or DM @damonahoffman on Instagram or Facebook! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Francesca Hogi, TED speaker and host of the Dear Franny podcast, introduces her new book, “How To Find True Love: Unlock Your Romantic Flow and Create Lasting Relationships.” Plus, she will break down her new definition of true love, dive deeper into the Fairy Tale Industrial Complex, explore her meet-cute mindset and so much more! Our Dear Damona question of the week: Dating apps keep feeding me the same old matches, so how do I meet someone IRL? Grab your copy of Francesca’s book, “How to Find True Love: Unlock Romantic Flow and Create Lasting Relationships”, by visiting FrancescaHogi.com/Book Follow Francesca on Instagram @DearFranny  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

Sharing a new show from our friends at Higher Ground, hosted by Michelle Obama, called IMO. On IMO, Michelle and her big brother Craig Robinson bring candid perspectives to the everyday questions shaping our lives, relationships and the world around us. Each week, they’re joined by a guest to tackle real questions from real folks just like you offering practical advice, personal storytelling, and plenty of laughs. And a lot of their questions are about dating and relationships. Michelle and Craig share stories about being there for each other throughout their lives, from first crushes and fraught college years, to landing at the White House, to losing their mom. For six decades they’ve been each others’ most trusted counsel—and now, they want to be that counsel for you. In this episode, renowned life coach and podcaster Jay Shetty joins Michelle and Craig to puzzle through a listener's question about professional ambition and dating. The trio discuss money in relationships, finding balance between work and ro

In honor of their 18th wedding anniversary, Damona’s partner-in-life-and-love, Seth Hoffman, is joining her on the mic to do something they’ve never done before—answer your burning dating and relationship questions together! From first dates to commitment, conflict to chemistry, they’re bringing  you the raw, unfiltered truth straight from the front lines of a long-term partnership with questions like: How heavy should outside opinions weigh on my relationship decisions? How do I get over my freeze response when attending singles events? What do I do when it feels like my partner isn’t listening anymore? How can I encourage a more positive mindset about dating in my friend group? I lost my spouse years ago and sometimes miss the companionship. How can I open up my heart to love? 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

Amanda Pendleton, Zillow's Home Trends expert, examines whether shacking up with a partner actually saves you money—or if the emotional costs outweigh the benefits. Plus, we’ll explore how to decide when—or if—it’s the right time to merge your spaces and your finances. And later we answer this Dear Damona question of the week: How can you set up a new long-distance relationship for success? VisitZillow.com for all of your home buying needs.  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

Beatriz Victoria Albina, Master Certified Somatic Life Coach, breaks down the ways a dysregulated nervous system might be getting in your way romantically, how to tune into the cues your body is sending you and how to heal ourselves for happier, healthier relationships. Then the Dear Damona question this week is: 15 years later, I find myself back in the dating pool. Where do I begin? 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

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