Your Last First Date: Author & Hollywood Matchmaker Jaydi Samuels Kuba

This week’s episode of Shot At Love pulls back the curtain on Hollywood’s most fascinating matchmaking secrets with Jaydi Samuels Kuba. Inspired by her soon-to-be-released book Your Last First Date, Jaydi shares the patterns, mindsets, blind spots, and tiny shifts that help singles finally find their own Hollywood ending.

Jaydi began her career as a television writer with credits ranging from Family Guy to Salem. But after watching talented, successful women in the entertainment industry struggle to form meaningful relationships, she built a couples-curation service that grew into LJ Matchmaking. Today she is a certified dating and relationship coach, a co-host of the podcast Match Made in Hollywood, and one of the industry’s most respected matchmakers.

Kerry and Jaydi explore the truth behind finding love in Hollywood or anywhere else: why people stay stuck, how they repeat emotional patterns, and what finally creates lasting change. Jaydi opens up about the early days of her company, the unlikely way she met her husband while setting him up with other women, and the inner shifts that helped her leave a long-term relationship that no longer aligned with her life.

Together, they break down why matchmaking matters, why being “findable” is non-negotiable, and how small mindset adjustments can make all the difference. Jaydi shares how she vets clients, screens for compatibility, and guides people toward clarity before chemistry. She explains why great daters still end up in the wrong relationships, how date coaching transforms confidence, and why trusting your own intuition is ultimately your most powerful tool.

Jaydi also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at writing Your Last First Date: how her Hollywood storytelling background shaped the narrative, why she chose to teach through character journeys and real client case studies, and what she hopes readers will take away after they close the final page.

If you’ve ever wondered how matchmaking really works, what goes on behind the scenes, or how to stop repeating the same dating patterns, this conversation will shift the way you see yourself, your choices, and your path to love.

Where to Find Jaydi Samuels Kuba
Instagram and social: @matchmadeinhollywood
Matchmaking and date coaching: www.ljmatchmaking.com

Connect with Kerry Brett
Instagram: @kerry_brett and @shotatlovepodcast
Facebook: Kerry Brett
LinkedIn: Kerry Brett
Substack: https://shotatlove.substack.com/p/shot-at-love-the-edit?r=20nzan&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
Website: www.shotatlovebook.com

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This week’s episode of Shot At Love centers on the powerful story and mission of Deborah Griffiths, founder of Bent Not Broken, a platform dedicated to resilience, recovery, and reclaiming personal strength after adversity. Instead of talking about my journey, we shift the focus to Deborah’s—her path, her purpose, and the incredible movement she’s built.

In our conversation, Deborah opens up about the moment her life changed, the challenges that tested her spirit, and the transformative mindset that allowed her not only to survive but to build a community for others who are navigating their own storms. Bent Not Broken offers tools, hope, and a safe landing place for anyone rebuilding their life piece by piece—physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

Deborah shares:

This episode is a testament to turning pain into purpose, and Deborah’s energy is a reminder that healing is not linear—but it is possible. If you’ve ever struggled, felt alone, or needed a voice reminding you that you can rise again, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.

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A Candid Conversation on Modern Love with Julie Lokun

This week’s episode flips the script. Instead of hosting, I’m the one being interviewed. Julie Lokun, host of the Get Obsessed podcast, sits down with me for an honest, heartfelt conversation about what dating really looks like today. If you’re starting over, navigating dating apps, or trying to make sense of modern connection, this conversation was created to give you clarity, strategy, and a renewed sense of hope.

Julie and I explore the questions so many singles quietly struggle with:

We discuss:

You’ll also hear how my background as a celebrity photographer influences the way I guide people through dating—especially when it comes to creating an authentic, compelling online presence that truly reflects who you are.

If you’re overwhelmed by today’s dating landscape or looking for practical strategies you can use right now, this episode offers clear takeaways and mindset shifts that make modern dating feel more manageable.

ABOUT TODAY’S GUEST
Julie Lokun is the creator and host of Get Obsessed, a podcast centered on growth, possibility, and helping people elevate their lives and relationships. She is a dynamic interviewer and a passionate advocate for empowering others.

WHERE TO FIND KERRY
Website:
www.shotatlovebook.com
www.kerrybrett.com

Podcast:
Shot At Love on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and BLEAV

Instagram:
@kerry_brett
@shotatlovepodcast

Facebook:
Shot At Love Podcast

TikTok:
@shotatlove

LinkedIn:
Kerry Brett

Substack:
https://shotatlove.substack.com

YouTube:
Shot At Love with Kerry Brett

Book:
Shot@Love: A Celebrity Photographer’s Lens on Dating and Finding Love, available on Amazon

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Great Scott! A Hero’s Journey to Love

In the final chapter of Shot@Love: A Celebrity Photographer’s Unfiltered Lens on Dating and Finding Love, we wrap up the story with heart, humor, and hope. Kerry Brett reflects on her own Hero’s Journey—one that mirrors Marty McFly’s in Back to the Future—filled with setbacks, mentors, lessons, and ultimately transformation through love.

This episode is about believing in divine timing, trusting the bigger picture, and having faith that the right person shows up when you’ve done the inner work. Kerry shares how her “Great Scott” moment came when she found love on Tinder, and how every heartbreak, misstep, and “Biff” along the way shaped her into someone ready for a healthy, lasting relationship.

Through pop culture parallels, wisdom from her mentor Jeff Lubin, and her signature storytelling style, Kerry ties it all together—reminding listeners that everyone’s path to love is their own version of the Hero’s Journey. It’s about choosing courage over comfort, learning to love yourself first, and understanding that each swipe, each setback, and each lesson gets you closer to your own “Great Scott” moment.

If you’ve ever doubted that love is possible after heartbreak, this episode will inspire you to believe again. Because when you trust in the bigger picture and take your shot, you just might find the one who was meant for you all along.

Listen now at www.shotatlovebook.com and follow Kerry Brett on Instagram @kerry_brett, @shotatlovepodcast, Facebook, LinkedIn, and on Substack at https://shotatlove.substack.com/p/shot-at-love-the-edit?r=20nzan&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action

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In this episode of Shot At Love, host Kerry Brett shares her unforgettable story of finding love on the commuter rail. This journey starts with a swipe and turns into a cinematic night worthy of Risky Business and Dirty Dancing. What begins as a spontaneous Tinder date with a man named Scott evolves into a hilarious and heartfelt adventure about courage, connection, and the power of showing up even when it’s uncomfortable.

From lip gloss disasters and “walks of shame” to lessons in faith, mindset, and perseverance, Kerry reminds listeners that taking chances in love — and life — often comes with a few unexpected detours. But when you stay open, trust yourself, and keep believing, miracles can happen… even on the rails.

By the end, Kerry reveals how this once “risky” date led to her real-life love story and how her journey on Tinder became proof that manifestation works — if you’re willing to believe, take action, and never quit.

Follow on Instagram @kerry_brett and @shotatlovepodcast
Find Kerry on Facebook and LinkedIn
Subscribe to her Substack: Shot At Love: The Edit
Visit www.shotatlovebook.com to learn more about her book Shot@Love: A Celebrity Photographer’s Unfiltered Lens on Dating and Finding Love.

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My Dating Breakthrough — Chapter 15

In this heartfelt and full-circle episode titled My Dating Breakthrough, Kerry Brett shares the transformative story behind her biggest dating and personal turning point—one that began with a mantra and led to meeting her boyfriend, Scott. This chapter is about mentorship, mindset, and the courage to change the pattern.

Kerry reflects on her 25-year mentorship with renowned portrait artist Jeff Lubin, a silver-haired visionary who taught her everything about confidence, value, and human connection—lessons that eventually translated into her dating life. Through humor and honesty, she reveals how Jeff’s tough love, wisdom, and one unforgettable lecture helped her rebuild self-worth and learn to believe in love again.

From heartbreak in Florida to a life-changing “aha” moment back in Boston, Kerry explains how her mentor’s voice became the inner compass that guided her out of self-doubt and back into alignment. Because sometimes, the greatest leap of faith isn’t swiping right—it’s believing in yourself again.

Key themes
• The Kubera Gayatri mantra and the power of asking for what you want
• How mentorship mirrors love and self-belief
• Lessons from Jeff Lubin on value, confidence, and resilience
• Overcoming heartbreak and reclaiming self-worth
• The “Quasimodo rule”—breaking patterns and choosing better
• Finding faith, trust, and home in Boston once again

Listen, learn, and love better
This episode reminds us that breakthroughs happen when you stop playing small, take the leap, and believe that the best is yet to come.

Connect with Kerry Brett
Instagram: @kerry_brett, @shotatlovepodcast
Facebook and LinkedIn: Kerry Brett
Substack: https://shotatlove.substack.com/p/shot-at-love-the-edit
Website: www.shotatlovebook.com

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Finding Your Match Made in Heaven, Chapter 14 of Shot@Love, A Celebrity Photograph's Unfiltered Lens on Dating and Finding Love

This episode explores how faith, vibration, and belief play a powerful role in attracting love. Kerry shares her experiences learning about the Law of Attraction from Michael Losier—author of Law of Attraction—and how his teachings on deliberate creation helped her shift from doubt to trust.

When heartbreak and online dating fatigue set in, Kerry turned to spiritual practices and divine connections for guidance—from chanting the Lakshmi Gayatri mantra for love and abundance to conversations with her intuitive friends Maureen Hancock and Jill Jardine. Through humor and honesty, Kerry reveals how psychic predictions, astrology, and even a few matchmaking misfires ultimately led to powerful lessons about faith, karma, and timing.

You’ll also hear the inspiring story of Rosie Dalton, Maureen’s sister, who found her “match made in heaven” after years of loss—proof that love can bloom again, even after heartbreak. This chapter reminds us that believing love is possible is the first step to receiving it.

Follow along as Kerry learns to let go of control, trust divine timing, and keep her vibration high—because your match made in heaven might just be closer than you think.

Find Kerry on Instagram @kerry_brett and @shotatlovepodcast, on Facebook and LinkedIn, and join the community at www.shotatlovebook.com. You can also read Shot@Love: The Edit on Substack at shotatlove.substack.com.

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Breaking Up with Mr. Better Than Nothing – Why You Need This Episode

If you’ve ever dated someone who felt promising enough to stick around even when the red flags were waving… this episode is for you. We break down a real relationship timeline so you can recognize the exact moments things shift from exciting to exhausting — and learn how to pivot sooner next time.

Cupid showed up, the texts sparkled, and the chemistry felt easy—until the small tells started stacking up. We share a true dating story that begins with a glittering reconnection and veers into a tour of red flags: venue choices that miss the mark, a harsh snap at strangers that reveals character, grand declarations too early, then silence when it matters. The ride is funny, messy, and painfully familiar to anyone who’s been love-bombed, breadcrumbed, or nudged into the caretaker role before the relationship ever had roots.

As we walk through the timeline—from an “epic” wedding meet-cute to an OKCupid rematch, from a chaotic holiday bar scene to a broken arm that flips romance into housework—we unpack how social proof can lower your guard and how mixed signals can chip away at self-worth. You’ll hear the golden rule that never fails in dating: watch how they treat service staff and unexpected guests. You’ll also hear the moment the power shifts back: no more waiting by the phone, a night out that rekindles confidence, and the clarity to name what’s actually happening—a situationship with one driver and no room for your voice.

This conversation blends story and strategy so you leave with a practical toolkit: how to spot unintentional daters, how to separate charm from character, and how to protect your time with clean boundaries. We keep it real, we keep it human, and yes, we laugh at the clown car along the way. If you’re tired of “better than nothing,” press play, reclaim your standards, and choose the quieter path of self-respect over the noisy comfort of chaos.

You’ll learn:

Connect + Join the Community
Instagram
@kerry_brett
https://www.instagram.com/kerry_brett
@shotatlovepodcast
https://www.instagram.com/shotatlovepodcast

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/kerrybrett

LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-brett

Substack – Shot at Love: The Edit
https://shotatlove.substack.com

Get the book
Shot@Love: A Celebrity Photographer’s Unfiltered Lens on Dating and Finding Love
https://www.shotatlovebook.com

If this episode resonates with you, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs a reminder of her standards, and leave a review with your top red-flag rule.

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This episode follows a winding road from mantras and angel numbers to a surprising Tinder reunion that reopens old memories and reveals hard truths about trust, red flags, and values. Trust—not trying harder—becomes the real compass in dating, and 222 serves as a reminder to slow down and practice patient awareness.

Nostalgia collides with present-day realities as Boston’s social energy masks a poor fit, and Jonathan’s candid warning becomes a pivotal values check. A serendipitous moment with Fishman’s mom reassures me that when we’re paying attention, the universe delivers the clarity we need.

Through caregiving challenges, ghosting, and even street harassment, resilience rises — leading to a powerful promise: Listen sooner. Set boundaries. Choose self-respect.

If you’re rebuilding after heartbreak, this chapter reminds you that every sign points you forward.

Connect with Kerry Brett

Instagram:@kerry_brett — https://www.instagram.com/kerry_brett

If this episode resonated with you — please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. It helps more people find their Shot@Love (Shot at Love)! And share this episode with a friend who needs hope and a little nudge forward.

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Tune into Chapter 11, I Surrender; Finding a Path Forward to Love, a favorite for those having a hard time. Heartbreak can feel like quicksand, but there’s a way to stop sinking. I share how surrender—real acceptance, not resignation—becomes a daily practice that steadies the mind, restores self-respect, and turns pain into a teacher. From the serenity prayer to the mantra sarvesham svastir bhavatu, I unpack simple rituals that anchor your nervous system when grief and rumination try to take over.

I walk through the five stages of grief in the context of narcissistic dynamics, making space for the messy parts—denial that kept you safe, anger that needs clean outlets, bargaining that blurs reality, depression that asks for gentle structure, and acceptance that finally loosens the knot. With insights from Kute Blackson’s The Magic of Surrender, I flip the script: a relationship can end and still be a success if it helped you grow into a truer version of yourself. That reframe moves you from searching with scarcity to meeting love with grounded presence.

Stories power change, so we spotlight courage in action. Tina Turner’s night of escape and reinvention shows how one decisive step can reset a life. Dolly Parton’s publishing stand models boundaries, patience, and long-view faith. These examples prove that small steps compound—blocking a number, archiving old photos, taking a quiet walk instead of doom-scrolling—until momentum returns. We close with practical guidance to drop the bag of bricks, set clear boundaries, and trust that peace is possible when you stop pushing and start showing up as yourself.

If this conversation helped you breathe a little easier, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs strength today, and leave a quick review so others can find it. Your story might be the spark someone else is waiting for.

Start with this Description

Instagram: @kerry_brett | @shotatlovepodcast
Facebook: Shot@Love Podcast
LinkedIn: Kerry Brett
️Join the mailing list: www.shotatlovethebook.com

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