The Dating Den

Guest: Elliott Connie — psychotherapist, best-selling author, and global leader in Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). In this episode, Elliott breaks down how asking the right questions can create powerful shifts in healing, relationships, and life direction. With over 20 years of experience, he shows why focusing on strengths and desired outcomes leads to transformation faster than traditional models of therapy.     3 Powerful Takeaways The questions you ask shape your future. Change begins by focusing on outcomes, not problems. Lasting relationships thrive on reciprocity, not blame.     Main Topics 1. The Power of Empowering Questions (04:06 – 08:19) Instead of asking “Why are you here?” SFBT starts with “What are your best hopes from being here?” This reframes therapy from problem-focused to solution-oriented. “A conversation about difference will lead towards differences. A conversation about problems will lead towards more problems.” 2. The Three Life-Changing Questions (12:58 – 15:08) Ell

In this episode of Life Check Yourself, Marni Battista interviews Steven Miyao, an executive coach and entrepreneur, about navigating midlife career changes and personal reinvention. They discuss the challenges faced by midlife professionals, the importance of aligning careers with personal values, and practical strategies for overcoming fear and taking action. Steven shares insights from his coaching practice, including the eulogy exercise to reflect on one's values and the significance of experimentation in making life changes. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentional living and the journey of self-discovery in midlife.   Takeaways Midlife professionals often feel the need for a career change. Grinding it out is not the solution; intentional living is key. Many people are stuck in a hamster wheel of work demands. Reinvention can be an opportunity to align with personal values. Shifting mindsets can lead to better job performance. Fear of failure, shame, and success can paralyze decision-making.

Introduction In this episode, we explore the power of integrating body, mind, and subconscious to release long-held emotional knots and reclaim wholeness. Our guest, Esin Pinrali, is a holistic psychotherapist and relationship expert specializing in imago therapy, brain spotting, internal family systems, and somatic practices. With her experiential approach, she helps people move beyond anxiety, trauma, and codependency to become fully alive and connected.     3 Key Takeaways Labels don’t heal—untangling the root does. The body stores unresolved trauma and reveals the knots that block freedom. Regulation is unique—find practices that soothe your nervous system, not someone else’s.     Main Topics 1. The Limits of Labels (00:10) “You’re not broken and you’re not here to get fixed. You’re here to sort of untangle some of the roadblocks that are holding you back.” Labels can provide temporary relief, but they can also trap you in false identity. True change happens when the underlying knots are work

In this enlightening conversation, Marni Battista and Steffani LeFevour delve into the concept of soul assignments, exploring how our life experiences shape our spiritual journeys. They discuss the importance of recognizing chaos as an opportunity for growth, the power of choice in relationships, and the significance of daily practices for self-awareness. Steffani shares her personal journey of overcoming challenges and the process of writing her upcoming book, emphasizing the need for radical acceptance and conscious creation in our lives. Takeaways   Soul assignments are experiences our soul desires to have. Chaos can be viewed as an opportunity for growth. We have the power to choose how we respond to our experiences. Radical acceptance of our circumstances empowers us. Identifying soul assignments can lead to personal growth. Limiting beliefs can be reframed to serve us better. Relationships can be seen as soul assignments that require work. Daily practices can help us connect with our soul assignments.

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and fellow coach, Jonathan Aslay. Jonathan is one of America’s leading midlife self-love coaches, and together we dive into what it really takes to create lasting love in today’s world. From navigating power dynamics in relationships to building trust, and from self-awareness to the surprising truth about chemistry, this conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone ready to step into a healthier, more fulfilling partnership.     Main Takeaways Jonathan emphasizes the importance of being present in relationships. Self-awareness is crucial for building trust and intimacy. Curiosity in conversations can lead to deeper connections. Women should not feel the need to downplay their success in relationships. Building a friendship first can lead to stronger romantic connections. Vulnerability is key to establishing trust in relationships. It's important to communicate openly about uncomfortable topics like money. People often sabotage their love li

In this episode, Dr. Sam Shea discusses his work with adults on the autism spectrum, focusing on burnout, resilience, and the importance of self-care for parents. He shares insights on the challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals, the significance of proper terminology, and the concept of masking. Dr. Shea emphasizes the need for resources and support for both parents and children, and highlights the role of comedy in advocating for understanding and connection. The conversation also touches on the importance of care in relationships and the impact of coaching on personal development.   Main Takeaways: Dr. Sam Shea helps adults on the spectrum stop burnout. Masking is a common experience for those on the spectrum. Self-care is crucial for parents of neurodiverse children. The term 'high functioning' can be misleading and offensive. There are many resources available for families today. Comedy can be a powerful tool for advocacy and connection. Understanding social dynamics is essential fo

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Dr. Corey Allan—husband, father, author, speaker, and seasoned marriage and family therapist—to unpack the truth about long-term love, personal growth, and staying connected through change. We go beyond surface-level advice to talk about what really keeps relationships alive, why personal responsibility is non-negotiable, and how to navigate shifts in yourself and your partner without losing the bond.     3 Main Takeaways: Face the relationship you have—not the one you wish you had. Personal growth will shift the relationship—be ready to adapt. Strong connections are built on presence, self-respect, and shared growth.     3 Main Topics with Timestamps, Citations, and Explanations: 1. Work with Who Your Partner Really Is (05:03) "I'm fighting for the spouse I wish I had… rather than I'm actually working with who they are." Explanation: Real progress comes when energy is spent on understanding and relating to the actual person in the relationship—flaws

Episode Introduction: In this episode, we explore how grief—often avoided, misunderstood, and pushed down—can actually become the catalyst for living fully and authentically. Dr. Michelle Petticola shares powerful insights on transforming complex grief into fuel for life’s purpose. You’ll discover why facing your emotions is essential, how reframing loss can shift your experience, and the hidden costs of suppressing what your heart needs to feel.     3 Main Takeaways: Surrender is the first step to transformation — Allowing emotions to flow opens the door to healing and self-discovery. Reframe grief as a measure of love — Shifting perspective transforms pain into a lasting, meaningful connection. Unprocessed grief impacts every area of life — Avoidance drains energy, creates emotional blocks, and can keep you from living true to yourself.     3 Main Topics with Timestamps, Citations, and Explanations: 1. The Power of Surrender (14:01) "You have to surrender to the experience... There’s no magic p

Today’s episode features Myles Katz—somatic facilitator, master space-holder, and founder of the “Living Room Love Lab.” Myles combines deep nervous system science with real-world relational wisdom to help people rewire their bodies for authentic connection. With roots in group therapy, men’s work, and trauma-informed embodiment, Myles is redefining what it means to heal in community and love from wholeness.    

 This week I’m talking with Erin Washington—author, former college athlete, podcast host, and the founder of “Squats and Margaritas.” Erin is a fierce voice for women breaking free from perfectionism, diet culture, and comparison traps. Her story of going from disordered eating and self-doubt to empowered confidence is raw, real, and refreshing. She teaches women how to create sustainable wellness and lasting joy—without shrinking themselves or their lives.    

Guest Introduction: On this episode, I’m joined by Megan Walrod—writer, speaker, and transformational guide whose journey from overachieving to aligned living will crack open something deep inside you. Megan walked away from a life that looked “perfect on paper” to rediscover her voice, power, and soul’s deeper calling. What she found? A life of freedom, joy, and magnetic abundance that didn’t require her to hustle, perform, or prove.    

 This week’s guest is the extraordinary Larry Michel—founder of the Institute of Genetic Energetics, relationship innovator, coach, and author of Lasting: 11 Illuminations and Essential Questions for a Co-Creative, Evolutionary Partnership. Known as the “Love Shepherd,” Larry has spent over three decades reshaping the way people find and build love. His work dives deep into the science of human connection, compatibility, and co-creation.    

In this episode of Life Check Yourself, I sat down with the brilliant behavioral expert and author Tracy Crossley to unpack the real root of relationship crisis. Whether you're stuck in an on-again, off-again dynamic, feeling emotionally unseen, or quietly questioning your future with someone—this is the conversation that will shift everything. We explore the hidden habits that keep us stuck, the unconscious fear that fuels dysfunction, and how you can finally experience the kind of intimacy and power you’ve always wanted—without playing the blame game.    

✨ Introduction: In this episode, I sit down with Christine Lang—former New York attorney turned intuitive healer, energy translator, and author of the upcoming book Ask Your Spirit: Receiving Life-Changing Wisdom from Your Elevated Intelligence. Christine has spent nearly 30 years helping people decode the messages from their body, spirit, and nervous system—so they can stop feeling stuck and finally start living in alignment. We dive deep into how to shift from chronic pain and fear into clarity, confidence, and true prosperity—without bypassing the messy human stuff.    

In this heartfelt and hilariously real episode of Life Check Yourself, I’m joined by my longtime friend and soul sister Bobbi Palmer. Bobbi became a first-time bride at 47, is now divorced, and back in the dating game at 66—this time with more confidence, peace, and joy than ever. She's a nationally recognized dating coach for women over 40, and in this conversation, we dive into the TRUTH about what dating looks like when you’re grown, wise, and absolutely done with BS. Whether you’re single, newly divorced, or wondering if it’s “too late” for you (spoiler: it’s not), this episode will have you laughing, crying, and most importantly—believing again.    

In this powerhouse episode of Life Check Yourself, I sit down with JM Ryerson—leadership coach, international speaker, and bestselling author of Let's Go Win and Upgrade. JM is the founder and CEO of Let's Go Win and has helped companies double (and sometimes triple!) their revenue by simplifying leadership, alignment, and performance. If you're navigating work stress, team dysfunction, or feeling stuck in victim-mode, this episode is a must-listen. We dive deep into what it takes to thrive in the ever-changing world of work—especially if you're juggling it all in midlife. From mindset hacks to leadership strategies, JM shares no-fluff wisdom that’ll help you stop spinning your wheels and start winning with intention.    

Guest Introduction  Today, we are honored to welcome Dr. Warren Farrell, a renowned Ph.D., internationally bestselling author, and one of the world’s top 100 thought leaders (as recognized by the Financial Times). His work has shaped both the women's and men’s movements, and his latest book, Role Mate to Soul Mate, dives deep into the science and art of sustaining intimate relationships. Having been married for over 30 years, Dr. Farrell doesn’t just teach relationship transformation—he lives it.  In this episode, we’re breaking down the critical shifts needed to move from just “coexisting” in relationships to truly thriving. If you’ve ever felt unheard, misunderstood, or stuck in recurring patterns with your partner, this conversation will change the way you approach love, communication, and intimacy.  Three Powerful Takeaways  ✅ Criticism is a Relationship Killer—But You Can Change Your Response ✅ Boundaries and Emotional Safety Are the Foundations of Lasting Love ✅ Understanding Your Partner’s Emotional Ne

Introduction  In this episode of Life Check Yourself, we sit down with the incredible Jen Crowley, a woman who has walked through love, loss, and the courageous journey of rediscovering herself. After losing her husband, Tyke, to cancer in 2015, Jen faced the overwhelming challenge of navigating dating again. With determination and a willingness to embrace new possibilities, she ultimately found love once more and is now engaged to Jeff.  Jen’s story is a powerful testament to the fact that love exists when we are willing to heal, redefine what we truly need, and take intentional steps toward the right relationship. Today, we’re diving deep into the mindset shifts, dating strategies, and personal breakthroughs that helped Jen find her way back to love.  3 Powerful Takeaways  Clarity is everything—knowing what you want changes the game. Online dating isn’t about luck; it’s about strategy and alignment.  The right relationship feels supportive, safe, and deeply fulfilling.  Key Topics & Timestamps