In this raw and emotional follow-up to I Didn't Expect This Relationship to Break Me, an anonymous guest returns to share the final chapter of her story—and the moment she finally found the strength to walk away.

After years of broken promises, emotional neglect, financial strain, and a relationship that left her feeling increasingly disconnected from herself, she opens up about what kept her stuck, the guilt and shame she carried, and the heartbreaking realization that love alone wasn't enough to make the relationship work.

We talk about losing yourself in a toxic relationship, the impact of unresolved grief and abandonment wounds, the fear of letting go, and why leaving isn't always as simple as knowing you deserve better. Most importantly, she shares how she's beginning to rebuild her life, reconnect with herself, and choose healing after years of putting someone else's needs before her own.

ALL links here (submit a Q, pitch yourself to the pod, dating coaching & more)

Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/seeingotherpeople #rulapod 

Stock up on the best elevated essentials + get free shipping & 365 day returns at Quince.com/seeingotherpeople

Get $10 off your Nutrafol subscription at nutrafol.com promo code SEEINGOTHERPEOPLE

If your glasses are overdue for a refresh, now is the time. Go to zenni.com/podcast and use code podcast15 for 15% off your first order

The best deals go fast on Whatnot, so don’t wait. Download Whatnot today and get free

shipping on your first order.

Get 15% off OneSkin, the science-backed skincare brand, with code seeingotherpeople at oneskin.co/seeingotherpeople.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brandi Davis (@backpocketcounseling) joins the podcast for a deep dive into modern dating, relationship anxiety, communication, attachment styles, and the patterns that keep us stuck.

As a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Back Pocket Counseling, Brandi shares why so many people feel exhausted by dating, how social media fuels comparison and self-doubt, the signs of emotional unavailability we often ignore, and why breaking unhealthy relationship cycles is harder than simply knowing better. We also discuss confidence, communication, mixed signals, attachment theory, and what healthy relationships actually look like in practice.

Connect with Brandi: Back Pocket Counseling

ALL links here (submit a Q, pitch yourself to the pod, dating coaching & more)

Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/seeingotherpeople #rulapod 

Stock up on the best elevated essentials + get free shipping & 365 day returns at Quince.com/seeingotherpeople

Get $10 off your Nutrafol subscription at nutrafol.com promo code SEEINGOTHERPEOPLE

If your glasses are overdue for a refresh, now is the time. Go to zenni.com/podcast and use code podcast15 for 15% off your first order

The best deals go fast on Whatnot, so don’t wait. Download Whatnot today and get free

shipping on your first order.

Get 15% off OneSkin, the science-backed skincare brand, with code seeingotherpeople at oneskin.co/seeingotherpeople.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're recording at the earliest time ever — Friday morning, two broken water dishes deep, and heading into an absolutely stacked weekend (a wedding, two baby showers, a birthday, and Father's Day). We run through a round of dating debates and would-you-rathers — who should text first after a date, is it ever okay to snoop, can you be best friends with an ex — before getting into two listener questions: one from someone whose eight-month relationship is about to hit a wall when he moves to Seattle for work, and one from someone whose boyfriend still likes every single photo his ex posts.

ALL links here (submit a Q, pitch yourself to the pod, dating coaching & more)

Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/seeingotherpeople #rulapod 

Stock up on the best elevated essentials + get free shipping & 365 day returns at Quince.com/seeingotherpeople

Get $10 off your Nutrafol subscription at nutrafol.com promo code SEEINGOTHERPEOPLE

If your glasses are overdue for a refresh, now is the time. Go to zenni.com/podcast and use code podcast15 for 15% off your first order

The best deals go fast on Whatnot, so don’t wait. Download Whatnot today and get free

shipping on your first order.

Get 15% off OneSkin, the science-backed skincare brand, with code seeingotherpeople at oneskin.co/seeingotherpeople.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At 25 years old, this anonymous guest has never been in a serious relationship—and while she knows she's not alone, it often feels that way. In this unfiltered conversation, she opens up about watching friends get engaged while she's still navigating first dates, the pressure of feeling "behind," and the self-doubt that comes from wondering why love hasn't happened yet. We talk about health struggles, moving to a new city, dating intentionally, and learning to trust that being selective isn't a flaw. Plus, we discuss comparison, timelines, and why building a full life while you're single is something worth celebrating.

ALL links here (submit a Q, pitch yourself to the pod, dating coaching & more)

Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/seeingotherpeople #rulapod 

Stock up on the best elevated essentials + get free shipping & 365 day returns at Quince.com/seeingotherpeople

Get $10 off your Nutrafol subscription at nutrafol.com promo code SEEINGOTHERPEOPLE

If your glasses are overdue for a refresh, now is the time. Go to zenni.com/podcast and use code podcast15 for 15% off your first order

The best deals go fast on Whatnot, so don’t wait. Download Whatnot today and get free

shipping on your first order.

Get 15% off OneSkin, the science-backed skincare brand, with code seeingotherpeople at oneskin.co/seeingotherpeople.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Julie LaPlaca joins the podcast to share her journey from longtime producer on the Bachelor franchise to author of The Love Producer. We talk about what really happens behind the scenes of reality dating shows, how helping others find love impacted her own relationships, why she walked away from her dream job, and the self-discovery journey that followed. Plus, we discuss vulnerability, hypnotherapy, dating patterns, and what it truly means to create your own happily ever after.

Grab a copy of the book and connect with Julie at https://theloveproducer.com/

ALL links here (submit a Q, pitch yourself to the pod, dating coaching & more)

Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/seeingotherpeople #rulapod 

Stock up on the best elevated essentials + get free shipping & 365 day returns at Quince.com/seeingotherpeople

Get $10 off your Nutrafol subscription at nutrafol.com promo code SEEINGOTHERPEOPLE

If your glasses are overdue for a refresh, now is the time. Go to zenni.com/podcast and use code podcast15 for 15% off your first order

The best deals go fast on Whatnot, so don’t wait. Download Whatnot today and get free

shipping on your first order.

Get 15% off OneSkin, the science-backed skincare brand, with code seeingotherpeople at oneskin.co/seeingotherpeople.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Knicks are champions and Jake may have cried a little. We start there. Then four listener questions: whether therapy actually helped Ilana find Jake (yes, and here's how), how to tell the difference between giving someone grace and making excuses for them, whether having a great life alone means you're too independent to be in a relationship, and the big one — he's kind, emotionally available, consistent, and wants everything you want, but the spark isn't there. Do you stay or keep chasing fireworks that always burn out?

ALL links here (submit a Q, pitch yourself to the pod, dating coaching & more)

Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/seeingotherpeople #rulapod 

Stock up on the best elevated essentials + get free shipping & 365 day returns at Quince.com/seeingotherpeople

Get $10 off your Nutrafol subscription at nutrafol.com promo code SEEINGOTHERPEOPLE

If your glasses are overdue for a refresh, now is the time. Go to zenni.com/podcast and use code podcast15 for 15% off your first order

The best deals go fast on Whatnot, so don’t wait. Download Whatnot today and get free

shipping on your first order.

Get 15% off OneSkin, the science-backed skincare brand, with code seeingotherpeople at oneskin.co/seeingotherpeople.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cara Ozek joins the podcast for a conversation about confidence, dating, and the small changes that can have a big impact. From style, grooming, body language, and dating app profiles to dating burnout, feedback, and self-growth, Cara shares how helping friends show up as their best selves inspired her own journey. We also talk about meeting people in real life, overcoming the fear of social events, staying hopeful after heartbreak, and why building a life you love is one of the most attractive things you can do.

ALL links here (submit a Q, pitch yourself to the pod, dating coaching & more)

Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/seeingotherpeople #rulapod 

Stock up on the best elevated essentials + get free shipping & 365 day returns at Quince.com/seeingotherpeople 

Get $10 off your Nutrafol subscription at nutrafol.com promo code SEEINGOTHERPEOPLE

Get 15% off OneSkin, the science-backed skincare brand, with code seeingotherpeople at oneskin.co/seeingotherpeople.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Addie Sellers joins the podcast to share one of the most shocking experiences of her matchmaking career: working with a client who was later convicted and sentenced to 80 years in prison. We talk about the subtle red flags people miss in dating, why trusting your gut matters, how predators can hide behind seemingly perfect reputations, and the lessons Addie learned that changed the way she approaches relationships forever. Plus, we discuss rejection, resilience, and the importance of collecting data—not making excuses—when getting to know someone.

ALL links here (submit a Q, pitch yourself to the pod, dating coaching & more)

Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/seeingotherpeople #rulapod 

Stock up on the best elevated essentials + get free shipping & 365 day returns at Quince.com/seeingotherpeople 

Get $10 off your Nutrafol subscription at nutrafol.com promo code SEEINGOTHERPEOPLE

Get 15% off OneSkin, the science-backed skincare brand, with code seeingotherpeople at oneskin.co/seeingotherpeople.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Happy Monday! We're recording from Jake's childhood bedroom fresh off a wedding the night before. We talk about why we're obsessed with vows and speeches, what it's like to hear other couples' love stories and reflect on your own relationship, and the text a maid of honor read aloud that had us wanting to dig through our own phones. Then we get into our main segment: a fun game of red flags and deal breakers — but with a twist. For each scenario, we share what single us would have thought versus what married, more seasoned us thinks now. From slow texters to exes on Instagram, financial baggage to crying on the first date, it's equal parts honest, funny, and surprisingly nuanced.

ALL links here (submit a Q, pitch yourself to the pod, dating coaching & more)

Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/seeingotherpeople #rulapod 

Stock up on the best elevated essentials + get free shipping & 365 day returns at Quince.com/seeingotherpeople

Get $10 off your Nutrafol subscription at nutrafol.com promo code SEEINGOTHERPEOPLE

If your glasses are overdue for a refresh, now is the time. Go to zenni.com/podcast and use code podcast15 for 15% off your first order

The best deals go fast on Whatnot, so don’t wait. Download Whatnot today and get free

shipping on your first order.

Get 15% off OneSkin, the science-backed skincare brand, with code seeingotherpeople at oneskin.co/seeingotherpeople.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This solo episode is all about hindsight, growth, and the dating choices I understand differently now. I’m reacting to listener-submitted scenarios through two lenses: what past me probably would’ve done, and what I’d do now. We’re talking about emotionally unavailable people, confusing anxiety for chemistry, trying to be chosen instead of evaluating compatibility, and the difference between knowing better versus actually being ready to do better.

ALL links here (submit a Q, pitch yourself to the pod, dating coaching & more)

Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/seeingotherpeople #rulapod 

Stock up on the best elevated essentials + get free shipping & 365 day returns at Quince.com/seeingotherpeople 

Get $10 off your Nutrafol subscription at nutrafol.com promo code SEEINGOTHERPEOPLE

Get 15% off OneSkin, the science-backed skincare brand, with code seeingotherpeople at oneskin.co/seeingotherpeople.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.