Diamonds in Dumpster Fires

Red Flags, Green Flags & Learning to Trust Yourself Again with Justin Smith


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Guest: Justin Smith, Founder of the Cray App

After a long-term relationship ends, getting back out there isn't just about meeting someone new β€” it's about learning to trust yourself again. This week, Melie sits down with Justin Smith, the creator of the Cray app, who built it after the end of his own relationship. Instead of just moving on, Justin wanted to understand why we miss the warning signs while we're still inside a relationship, and how to help others recognize them earlier.

This conversation is full of honest, practical wisdom for anyone navigating the dating world after heartbreak.

πŸ”— Links & Resources
  • Download the Cray App: https://cray.app/
In This Episode, We Talk About:
  • Justin's personal story: what led him to ultimately build the Cray app
  • How the Cray app works
  • Why love bombing is so hard to resist β€” especially when you're freshly heartbroken
  • The question everyone should ask before jumping back into dating: Am I actually ready?
  • Why your "picker" might feel broken β€” and how trauma, past relationships, and attachment patterns can quietly shape who we're drawn to
  • The red flag hiding in plain sight: how someone handles conflict tells you everything
  • Stonewalling, validation, and what healthy communication actually looks like
  • How to protect your personal information (location, phone number, social media) when getting to know someone new
  • The difference between a red flag and a green flag β€” and why some people mix them up
  • Justin's upcoming Bae Score feature: the six qualities that make a genuinely healthy partner
  • Why going into new social situations with the sole goal of finding a partner can backfire
  • The underrated value of hobbies for rebuilding your life and your social world after a breakup

About Justin Smith

Justin Smith is the founder of the Cray app, a relationship safety tool designed to help people identify red flags, verify potential partners, and protect themselves while dating. After navigating the end of a significant relationship, Justin channeled his experience into building tools that help others avoid the patterns he missed.

Download the Cray App: https://cray.app/

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend who's navigating the dating world after a breakup or divorce. And don't forget to leave a review β€” it helps more resilient ones find us! πŸ’Ž

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Diamonds in Dumpster FiresBy Melie Williams