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 romance, and Michelle shares her advice for choosing a life partner. They ask: Is the pursuit of perfection—in work or dating—worth it? You can hear more episodes of IMO at https://lnk.to/imomichellecraigDM

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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:

Submit your questions for Dear Damona on any of the socials @DamonaHoffman or by visiting DamonaHoffman.com

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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

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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

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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:

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

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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:

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, we are giving you $50 off the Dating Accelerator! Just visit DamonaHoffman.com/Course and enter the code March50

Coming up next in the Dates & Mates lineup, we have an all Dear Damona so send in your questions! Submit them on any of the socials @ DamonaHoffman or by visiting DamonaHoffman.com

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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 Coaching (00:01:06)  

Johnny's Journey into Love Coaching (00:02:20)  

Expectations in Modern Relationships (00:06:12)  

The Impact of Choice on Satisfaction (00:10:16)  

Effort Required in Today's Dating Landscape (00:12:16)  

The Importance of Romantic Relationships (00:13:18)  

Choosing Your Hard (00:15:04)  

Introduction to Modern Dating (00:15:13)  

The Rhetoric of Comparison (00:15:50)  

Awareness of Desire (00:17:02)  

Fundamentals of the 3D True Love Method (00:17:59)  

The Paradox of Choice in Dating (00:19:57)  

Societal Programming and Commitment (00:20:59)  

The Importance of Distinction (00:22:29)  

Focusing on Healthy Relationships (00:24:37)  

Authenticity in Dating (00:27:07)  

Quality vs. Quantity in Dating (00:29:28)  

The Reality of Romance (30:25)

Accepting What You Allow (31:16)

Understanding Self-Sabotage (31:28)

Love Breakthrough Live Overview (31:57)

Breaking Through Self-Limiting Beliefs (32:21)

Unpopular Opinion on Hustle Culture (34:19)

The Importance of Emotional Connection (35:00)

Closing Thoughts and Resources (35:56)

Listener Question Introduction (36:45)

Advice for a Listener (37:17)

Navigating Grief and Relationships (39:59)

The Importance of Mutual Interest (41:24)

Empathy and Understanding in Dating (42:30)

Possibility of Future Love (45:04)

Closing Remarks (46:14)

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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)  

International Romance Story (00:11:44)  

Pivotal Moment in the Relationship (00:13:37)  

Creating the System from Experience (00:15:09)  

Vulnerability in Relationships (00:16:35)  

The Challenge of Modern Dating (00:17:06)  

Initial Connection Over Text (00:18:44)  

The Disappointment of Zero Chemistry (00:19:20)  

Researching a Potential Partner (00:20:04)  

Deliberate Communication Choices (00:21:12)  

Importance of Getting Offline (00:22:00)  

Book Structure and Relationship Progression (00:23:06)  

The Role of Money in Relationships (00:25:03)  

Communication as a Foundation (00:27:12)  

Understanding Conflict Styles (00:28:37)  

Self-Discovery Through Relationships (00:31:20)  

Future Aspirations and Relationship Impact (00:32:51)  

The Importance of Structure in Relationships (34:05)  

Defining Spirituality in Dating (34:41)  

The Value of Self-Reflection (35:51)  

Using Books as Relationship Tools (37:11)  

Revisiting Conversations in Long-Term Relationships (38:05)  

The Evolution of Relationship Conversations (39:00)  

Permission to Not Have All the Answers (39:30)  

Unpopular Opinions on Dating (41:10)  

The Need for Open Communication (41:39)  

Listener Question on Relationship Insecurities (43:21)  

Navigating Undefined Relationship Spaces (46:05)  

Taking the Initiative in Relationship Conversations (48:40)  

Exploring Serious Relationships (00:50:59)  

The Power of Vulnerability (00:52:07)  

Episode Wrap-Up and Resources (00:52:15)  

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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:

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)  

Importance of Hope in Dating (00:08:06)  

First Trivia Question: Tinder's Activity Day (00:09:07)  

Burnout in Dating (00:11:27)  

Maximizing Dating App Time (00:12:21)  

Momentum in Online Dating (00:14:14)  

The Importance of Phone Calls (00:14:28)  

Trivia Game Begins (00:15:26)  

Benefits of Tinder's Passport Feature (00:16:34)  

Changing Dating Parameters Post-COVID (00:17:05)  

Misconceptions About Dating Options (00:20:49)  

Investment in Dating Apps (00:23:44)  

Study on Men's Perceptions of Women (00:24:18)  

Reality of Men's Relationship Goals (00:27:08)  

Understanding Individual Relationship Seriousness (00:28:33)  

The Importance of Online Dating Opportunities (00:29:25)  

Trivia Game Introduction (00:30:08)  

Loud Looking Trend (00:31:14)  

Shift in Dating Culture (00:32:11)  

Self-Reflection in Dating (00:34:34)  

Profile Photo Selection (00:39:31)  

AI Photo Selector Tool (00:42:42)  

Tinder Data Insights (00:43:24)  

AI Tools for Profile Building (00:44:13)  

Using Data for Dating Ease (00:45:07)  

Support Beyond Profiles (00:45:42)  

Confidence through Tools (00:46:11)  

Quality of Relationships (00:46:59)  

Listener Questions Introduction (00:47:38)  

Handling Men on Dating Apps (00:48:43)  

Importance of Pre-Screening (00:49:33)  

Communication Methods (00:50:49)  

Scheduled Mini-Dates (00:52:12)  

Ghosting and Quality Connections (00:52:28)  

Assessing Dating Patterns (00:53:25)  

Self-Inquiry in Relationships (00:54:01)  

Defining Quality in Partners (00:56:00)  

Closing Remarks and Appreciation (00:56:54)  

Closing Remarks and Thanks (00:57:25)  

Valentine's Day Episode Mention (00:57:25)  

Upcoming Guest Announcement (00:58:32)  

Valentine's Day Wishes (00:58:32) 

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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:

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)

Listener Questions Begin (00:02:14)

Listener's Dating Experience (00:02:17)

Mindset and Dating Strategies (00:04:09)

Clarifying Dating Goals (00:07:27)

Anonymous Listener's Dilemma (00:09:40)

Advice on Age and Compatibility (00:11:57)

Navigating Workplace Relationships (00:14:16)

Empowerment in Dating Choices (00:15:19)

Navigating Real-Life Dating Challenges (00:16:28)  

Empowering Self-Expression in Dating (00:19:44)  

Seeking Connection Amidst Life's Responsibilities (00:23:10)  

Understanding Dating Mindset (00:26:13)  

Defining Relationship Goals (00:31:39) 

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