Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we’re talking connection, vulnerability, and the importance of friendship with friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson!

Friendships are one of the most essential and beautiful parts of life, yet can sometimes feel complicated, messy, and downright hard to navigate. Don’t worry, we got you!

A few of the questions explored in this conversation are:

Why is it so tough to make new friends as an adult? 

How can we move beyond the surface and build real, meaningful connections? 

And what does it actually mean to "be yourself" in friendships?

Danielle guides us through these situations and so much more. 

We’ll talk about social anxiety and introversion, how to embrace vulnerability with a powerful reframe, and how we can go deeper in our connections. 

We also break down friendship dynamics, like what to do about one-sided friendships, the “hibernation friend,” how to handle jealousy or gossip, and even friendship breakups.

Finally, we end with a full circle moment coming back to the theme of connection and how we can all level up our friendship game.

So, whether you’re looking to strengthen your current friendships, make new ones, or simply understand yourself better in the context of connection, this episode is for you.

Let’s do this, Flirties!

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Flirtations on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode to spread BFE - big flirt energy, all over the world!

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About our guest:  Danielle Bayard Jackson is a women’s relational health educator who speaks nationally about the science of women’s platonic connections. She is the director of the Women’s Relational Health Institute and is also the author of Fighting for Our Friendships : The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women’s Relationships.

As a former high school teacher and academic department chair, Danielle now leverages her background in education to study the latest research on women’s cooperation, communication, and conflict. Her expertise has been featured in The New York Times, NBC News, Psychology Today, Wall Street Journal, Oprah Magazine, Good Morning America, and a host of other media outlets.

As a member of the American Sociological Association, Danielle works with both individuals and organizations to share tangible, evidence-based strategies to help women create more satisfaction in their platonic same-sex relationships. Companies like TikTok, the NBA, NFL, and Etsy have all booked Danielle as a speaker to address the topic of connection psychology. She even served as the resident friendship expert and spokesperson for the global app Bumble and its new app Bumble for Friends.

Danielle shares her insight weekly on The Friend Forward Podcast, has several viral videos on Instagram and TikTok, and has written for Insider and Harvard Business Review.

You can learn more about Danielle and her work by visiting www.betterfemalefriendships.com.

About your host:  Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy, with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun!

As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic and romantic connection - to take center stage and transform lives for greater healing and ultimately, a deeper connection with the self.

You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

💗 Happy flirting!

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we’ve got authenticity and personal branding expert Justin Schuman on the show to have an unbelievable conversation with us about the art of being you.

From the fear of being 'too much' to the sometimes complex practice of being authentic, we’ll explore what it means to be you and how owning who you are can transform your confidence and your dating life.

We’ll also talk about how to let yourself be seen, because that’s what flirting and dating is kinda all about, isn’t it? Allowing someone to witness your humanness, your quirks, your beautiful imperfections?

Justin also has a grocery store flirting story for you and we’ll chat about our coaching journeys, which I think you’ll find interesting!  

Finally, we’ll touch on rejection and conclude with Justin’s take on what it means to human.

It’s time to own your story, tell it, feel your energy, and elevate your connections.

Let’s go, Flirties, and meet Justin!

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Flirtations on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode to spread BFE - big flirt energy, all over the world!

Enjoying the show and want to support my work? Buy the Flirt Coach a coffee!

About our guest:  Justin Schuman is a Human Creative Director, content creator, and coach who helps people build magnetic, authentic brands without sacrificing their creativity or personality - and instead putting it on full display. As a Broadway performer turned entrepreneur, Justin understands the power of storytelling - and now, he teaches creators and business owners how to show up online in a way that feels authentic, effortless, sustainable, and real.

Through The Human Approach, his signature framework, Justin has helped thousands of overthinkers, perfectionists, and multi-passionate creators find their voice, grow engaged followings and monetize their unique perspectives - without following cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all strategies.

With over 790K+ followers and millions of views across Instagram and TikTok, Justin’s content challenges conventional social media advice and proves that being fully yourself is the ultimate strategy.

Expect today’s conversation to be bold, brutally honest, and packed with actionable takeaways - because if there’s one thing Justin does best, it’s cutting through the noise and helping people finally own their magic.

Connect with Justin on Instagram & TikTok: @justinschumanofficial

About your host:  Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy, with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun!

As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic and romantic connection - to take center stage and transform lives for greater healing and ultimately, a deeper connection with the self.

You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

💗 Happy flirting!

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we’re talking about trauma and how our experiences shape the way we approach dating, relationships, and even our own self-worth. 

We have two incredible guests for this conversation, Ilyse Kennedy, a psychotherapist and Lindsay Camp, a licensed marriage and family therapist, to explore trauma and how trauma influences our patterns in love and connection.

We take on the dual themes of hyperindependence, where you feel like you have to handle everything on your own, and hypervigilance, the feeling of not trusting someone, always being on edge or looking for potential threats.

We’ll share what it means to heal from relational wounds and why rebuilding trust—both in others and in yourself—can feel so challenging, but is absolutely possible.

Plus, why the phrase 'if it’s hysterical, it’s historical' holds so much truth and how we can develop greater self-awareness and compassion.

Finally, we’ve got healing strategies, steps to break free from wounds of the past, and why you’re healing is right on time. 

So, whether you’re working to heal old heartbreaks or simply want to deepen your self-awareness in relationships, this conversation is filled with insights and actionable advice to help you move forward with confidence and connection. 

Let’s go flirties!

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Flirtations on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode to spread BFE - big flirt energy, all over the world!

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About our guests:  Ilyse Kennedy, LPC-S, LMFT-S, SEP is a trauma therapist and group practice owner in Austin, TX. Her practice, Moving Parts Psychotherapy, has become one of the go-to therapy practices in Austin for those recovering from complex trauma. Through her practice, she supervises associates pursuing licensure to expand her unique way of working with trauma to the world. Her book, The Tender Parts: A Guide to Healing Trauma Through Internal Family Systems Therapy was released in 2022 and has become a go-to companion for those moving through healing.

Lindsay G Camp, LMFT, is a Texas based therapist specializing in working with young adults. She founded Austin Teen Therapy over a decade ago and has aided in supporting hundreds of young people, their families, as well as a dozen therapists in their professional development. As the daughter of a seeker and a dabbler herself, healing, in all its many forms, has always been a special interest. She is currently creating a workbook for parents of teens to be released later this year.

Together, Ilyse and Lindsay began The Hilling Journey podcast where they share their healing journeys with their friendship at the forefront. From weeding through grief to making pop culture references, the podcast focuses on the joys and sorrows of healing with some exciting guests who are healers on their own healing journeys.

About your host:  Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy, with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun!

As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic and romantic connection - to take center stage and transform lives for greater healing and ultimately, a deeper connection with the self.

You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

💗 Happy flirting!

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, it's the Un-Valentine's Day episode!

But this isn't going to be like a regular episode.

Today, we’re going on a quest for love and playing a game of Candyland… but with a dating twist.

Picture this: you’re on a colorful adventure through the world of romance, navigating everything from first dates to heartbreak, and, much like in Candyland, finding this game of love filled with unexpected detours and those rare, magical moments when everything just clicks.

Will you find yourself stuck on the Licorice space? Sprinting toward the Candy Castle? Getting lost in the gumdrop woods? 

Hold on to your lollipops, as we flirt with romance on go on a quest for love!

Anything is possible.

Let’s do this flirties!

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Flirtations on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode to spread BFE - big flirt energy, all over the world!

Enjoying the show and want to support my work? Buy the Flirt Coach a coffee!

About your host:  Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy, with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun!

As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic and romantic connection - to take center stage and transform lives for greater healing and ultimately, a deeper connection with the self.

You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

💗 Happy flirting!

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we have neuroscientist and author Nicole Vignola on the show as we talk about the neuroscience of the crush!

Have you ever wondered what’s really happening in your brain when you have a crush?

Nicole gives us all the details and breaks down the difference between a crush, limerence, and obsession.

How can you catch yourself from going too far into delulu? What differentiates a crush from infatuation from genuinely liking someone? Two questions we answer inside, but there’s more.

We also tackle the heartbreak side of things—what happens in your brain when you experience rejection? Or when your crush doesn’t like you back? We’ve got some digital tips, as well, as we explore why texting is so addicting and how to resist the urge to stalk your crush online. 

Finally, Nicole shares insights on the difference between feeling butterflies and overall crush energy from a genuine dating interest, how we can walk rather than fall into love, and how to not break your own heart in the process.

So, whether you’re crushing hard right now or just curious about the science behind those all-consuming feelings, this episode is packed with insights to help you flirt with the highs and lows of the crush. 

Let’s do this flirties!

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Flirtations on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode to spread BFE - big flirt energy, all over the world!

Enjoying the show and want to support my work? Buy the Flirt Coach a coffee!

About our guest:  Nicole Vignola is more than a neuroscientist; she's an established keynote speaker and author. Reaching millions through her well-established platform, Nicole offers practical tools and scientifically proven methods to enhance mental well-being. 

Recognised as "Instagram's favourite brain expert" by Women’s Health Magazine, it’s her mission to demystify neuroscience, making it accessible and impactful for everyone.

Her commitment to empowering people with an understanding of how their brain works has made her a pioneering force in redefining wellness. Nicole's debut book, "Rewire," offers a transformative neuro-toolkit. With practical strategies to optimise your life, rewire your brain and break free from limiting habits and behaviours. “Rewire” is your guide toward personal growth and fulfilment. The book was pre-empted in the UK by Penguin Michael Joseph; it was also pre-empted in the US by Harper One and has sold over 20 translation deals.

Nicole can be found on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok @nicolesneuroscience. 

About your host:  Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy, with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun!

As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic and romantic connection - to take center stage and transform lives for greater healing and ultimately, a deeper connection with the self.

You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

💗 Happy flirting!

Coming up in this episode of Flirtations, we’re joined by Jonah Wheeler to explore the art of developing chemistry in the bedroom and how to create deeper, more connected experiences with your partner or partners. 

We’ll answer questions about verbal play, dom/sub dynamics as a kink, butt play, and how to embrace the journey of physical intimacy by detaching from outcome-based sex—because it’s not always about the rush to O!

We also break down communication tips for exploring pleasure and ensuring your desires and boundaries are clear and respected.

Along the way, Jonah shares some of his experiences on set recording sexy videos, what makes a good scene, and even what happens when things don’t go according to plan!

So, whether you're curious about exploring new dynamics, looking for ways to deepen intimacy, or just intrigued by Jonah's advice, I hope you’ll join us for this episode!

Let’s go flirties!

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Flirtations on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode to spread BFE - big flirt energy, all over the world!

Enjoying the show and want to support my work? Buy the Flirt Coach a coffee!

About our guest:  Jonah Wheeler is an actor and content creator who has gained recognition on social media for his insightful videos and in the adult entertainment industry for his performances in various productions.

Jonah engages with a broad audience, sharing personal insights and experiences on life, love, dating, relationships, identity, and sex. Notably, he has discussed his journey of self-discovery, including his exploration of attraction to different genders as highlighted in his TikTok video titled "My Experience Coming Out as Bi and Queer."

Jonah's online presence reflects his multifaceted personality, combining his professional endeavors with personal narratives.

Jonah can be found on all social platforms and sites @showoffjonah. 

About your host:  Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy, with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun!

As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic and romantic connection - to take center stage and transform lives for greater healing and ultimately, a deeper connection with the self.

You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

💗 Happy flirting!

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we’ve got couples therapist Johnathan Van Viegen on the show as we take on the pull back. 

You know, the experience you’ve maybe had when you’re dating someone, and then their energy shifts and they seem to pull back? Or maybe that person has been you?! 

Why does this happen and how can we approach it without letting fear or anxiety take over?

Jonathan offers a thoughtful perspective on approaching these situations with curiosity, understanding, and self-compassion that I think you’ll be very interested to hear!

We also explore how to reframe your needs as wants and desires to create open and collaborative communication with potential partners. Johnathan introduces his red flag/green flag strategy, which helps you evaluate someone's intentions while maintaining healthy boundaries so you can date with clarity and confidence.

Finally, we discuss the importance of cultivating self-love and the belief that the love you seek is not only deserved, but absolutely attainable. 

So, whether you're dealing with mixed signals or simply looking for ways to feel more secure in your dating life, this episode is full of insights to help you date with more focus. 

Alright flirties, let’s meet Jonathan! 

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Flirtations on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode to spread BFE - big flirt energy, all over the world!

Enjoying the show and want to support my work? Buy the Flirt Coach a coffee!

About our guest:  Jonathan Van Viegen, the Guy Who Saves Marriages (Without the Fluff), is a couples therapist and relationship coach who helps partners break out of the same exhausting fights, stop feeling like roommates, and actually enjoy being married again. His no-nonsense, solution-focused approach skips the therapy jargon and gets straight to what works—helping couples feel chosen and cherished again.

Through his IG Lives, reels, and direct coaching, Jonathan delivers real, actionable strategies that actually fix what’s broken—without the endless “processing” that keeps couples stuck. His work is all about fast progress, deep connection, and practical tools that make a lasting impact.

You can connect with Jonathan on Instagram.

About your host:  Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy, with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun!

As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic and romantic connection - to take center stage and transform lives for greater healing and ultimately, a deeper connection with the self.

You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

💗 Happy flirting!

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we have Yue Xu and Julie Krafchick, the dynamic duo behind the Dateable podcast and the new book, “How to Be Dateable,” to have a conversation with us about, well, dating!

Julie and Yue will share with us today the 7 things that matter when looking for a partner and why connection and compatibility goes way beyond some chemistry and attraction.

We’ll learn about the key qualities to focus on when choosing someone for a relationship, how to avoid getting stuck in surface level connections, and what it really means to be dateable.

Along the way, we’ll touch on emotional availability, long-term compatibility, and how to create genuine, lasting connections so you can feel more confident and empowered in dating. 

So, whether you're single, dating, or just curious about what makes relationships thrive, this episode is for you! It’s for everyone, basically! Stay tuned!

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Flirtations on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode to spread BFE - big flirt energy, all over the world!

Enjoying the show and want to support my work? Buy the Flirt Coach a coffee!

About our guests:  Julie Krafchick & Yue Xu are active daters turned dating insiders, and top influential voices of modern dating, relationships, and connection in the digital world. They’re the authors of How To Be Dateable: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Person and Falling in Love and the co-hosts of the hit podcast Dateable, which has been named one of the top podcasts about modern dating and relationships by the New York Times, The Huffington Post, Oprah Daily, and more. 

Connect with Julie and Xue on Instagram, Take the "Dating Archetype" Quiz, and grab your copy of How to Be Dateable!

About your host:  Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy, with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun!

As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic and romantic connection - to take center stage and transform lives for greater healing and ultimately, a deeper connection with the self.

You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

💗 Happy flirting!

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we have Hannah Deindorfer, the Libido Fairy!, on the show to explore with us physical intimacy, libidos, and sex in dating!

Up for discussion are questions around consent, desire, and the touch barrier, and we'll play in the space of intimacy here as we talk about different ways to connect with your partner or partners on that physical level. We even go into your kissing dilemmas! 

But that’s not all. Hannah will also offer guidance on how to navigate mismatched libidos, responsive vs. spontaneous desire, what to do in those moments when intimacy dips, and how to communicate your desires - without any shame.

So, whether you're struggling with desire differences, looking to strengthen emotional intimacy, or simply curious about how to approach these conversations in dating, this episode is full of actionable advice that is sure to keep the spark alive!

C’mon flirties, let’s meet Hannah!

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Flirtations on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode to spread BFE - big flirt energy, all over the world!

Enjoying the show and want to support my work? Buy the Flirt Coach a coffee!

About our guest:  Hannah Deindorfer, also known as "The Libido Fairy," has helped hundreds of women who struggle with low libido feel more connected to their partners and look forward to intimacy again. With her expertise in somatic and emotional healing, she guides women through practical steps to rekindle desire.

You can connect with Hannah on Instagram, YouTube, and the web!

About your host:  Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy, with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun!

As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic and romantic connection - to take center stage and transform lives for greater healing and ultimately, a deeper connection with the self.

You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

💗 Happy flirting!

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, I’m joined by certified sex Claire Perelman for an important conversation about dating after sexual assault. 

Together, we explore the complexities of reclaiming your sense of self in dating and relationships while navigating boundaries, consent, and personal healing. 

I also share my own story, opening up about the challenges of feeling safe while dating and the journey of learning to trust myself - and others - again.

We discuss how trauma impacts the nervous system and the common experience of self-abandonment—doing whatever it takes to keep someone close. We’ll offer insights on how to reconnect with your body, heal your nervous system, and approach dating in a way that feels empowering and safe.

This episode is a powerful reminder that healing is possible and that you deserve it all, flirty! Let’s do this!

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions sexual assault and trauma so please listen with care and if you or someone you love needs support, resources are linked in the show notes below. We are here to help.

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Flirtations on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode to spread BFE - big flirt energy, all over the world!

Enjoying the show and want to support my work? Buy the Flirt Coach a coffee!

About our guest:  Claire Perelman (she/her) is a Queer, Jewish Sex Therapist and Educator living and working in the Bay Area. Her work with clients, workshops, podcasts, and social media focuses on making sex education more accessible and normalizing sexual pleasure and play in people’s lives. Like many therapists, she channeled her greatest source of pleasure and heartbreak into her area of focus, leading her to specialize in therapy for sex and intimacy with couples, individuals, and polycules. You can find her at @sexclarified (on all platforms) and www.sexclarified.com

Further resources for the USA below. If you have international resources, please share those with me and I will add here to the show notes! 

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center

RAINN:  National Sexual Assault Hotline

Planned Parenthood

About your host:  Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy, with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun!

As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic and romantic connection - to take center stage and transform lives for greater healing and ultimately, a deeper connection with the self.

You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

💗 Happy flirting!