Single and Not Settling is now on Instagram! Head over to Instagram and follow ⁠@singleandnotsettling.podcast⁠ to stay up to date with episode releases and your hit of dating empowerment!

I've begun reading the book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man by Steve Harvey….. I have some things to say.

And no — I’m not jaded, I’m just not here for another “here’s how to understand men” guide targeted only at women.

In this episode, I unpack some of the core messages in the book and share my take on why I believe these kinds of resources are missing the mark. 

Why are we constantly asked to invest time, energy, and money into understanding men — when we’re rarely met with the same effort in return?

I break down the chapters that suggest men are simple and only need three things (yes, only three!) and why I feel this foundation is based on manipulation and game-playing rather than authentic connection.

I also dig into the categories Steve Harvey says men place women in when they meet us — and what would happen if we flipped that narrative. Spoiler: I don’t think it would go down well.

Plus, I speak from the heart about the Single and Not Settling space.  Why I created this community, and why it’s not about being “against men,” but about women finding empowerment in their own journey. This is about doing the work for you, not to fit into someone else’s idea of what you should be.

I give a little shoutout to my new eBook The Empowered Single Woman, a guide to help you reconnect with your values, set powerful standards, and remember your worth!

Oh, and Steve, if you’re listening? Let’s flip the script and co-write a book to help men understand women for once.

This is Part 1 — I’m still reading the book, so stay tuned for more in Part 2.

Connect with your host, Vanessa Maree and send a DM to receive your free dating eBook, The Empowered Single Woman ⁠https://www.instagram.com/vanessamaree_wingwoman/

Single and Not Settling is now on Instagram! Head over to Instagram and follow @singleandnotsettling.podcast to stay up to date with episode releases and your hit of dating empowerment!

In this eye-opening episode, Vanessa Maree sits down with Mark Rosenfeld, one of Australia’s most sought-after dating coaches. Featured on global media and radio, Mark brings a grounded, real-talk perspective to modern dating that every woman needs to hear.

What happens when a male dating coach creates a fake female profile on dating apps?

Mark shares how this experiment helped him crack the code to online dating and develop practical tools that help women filter for quality connections from the first message.

Here’s what we covered in this conversation:

- How Mark helps women attract better matches using a structured messaging formula and custom profile design.  

- The most common misunderstandings women have about men in dating  

- The connection between energy and attraction.  

- Why the tone of your messages can make or break the dynamic—and how to guide it effortlessly.  

- How to craft profile prompts that make him step up and qualify himself. 

- Men and personal development and the gap with men and women.

- His perspective on whether men know what they want (and if they’ve forgotten how to date altogether).

- Why setting standards isn’t enough—you have to embody them first.

- Traits of a high-value man and what to look for.

- What to do when you really like a guy but feel unsure.

And the quote you’ll want to write down:  

  “Connections with others start with connecting with yourself.” – Mark

We also answer listener questions straight from Vanessa’s Instagram poll.

Want to work with Mark or learn more about his program? You can find him here:  https://makehimyours.com.au/

Connect with your host, Vanessa Maree and send me a DM to receive your free dating eBook, The Empowered Single Woman https://www.instagram.com/vanessamaree_wingwoman/

In this solo episode, I open up about what’s been happening in my world over the past two months.....the challenges, the wake-up calls, and the deep self-reflection that’s shifted everything for me.  

I share a personal health scare that forced me to take a hard look at my habits, patterns, and the way I was showing up for myself. It made me realize that sometimes, the universe will shake things up for you if you’re not listening.

And when it does, you have two choices: resist it or rise from it.  

In this episode, I dive deep into:  

✨ The patterns and habits I needed to change around my health, diet, and exercise.

✨ How I found a new level of self-love and self-forgiveness.  

✨ Why you need to become obsessed with your life and work toward your desires before the universe forces you to.  

✨ The power of mindset shifts and taking full ownership of your journey .

This episode is full of passion, inspiration, and value, I know so many women out there need to hear this. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve been waiting for the ‘right moment’ to go after what you truly want, this is your sign.  

🎙️ Plus, exciting news! Single and Not Settling now has its own Instagram page! 

Follow along @singleandnotsettling.podcast

Connect with Vanessa Maree @vanessamaree_wingwoman  

Own Your Worth: Empowered Dating for Single Woman.

Recently I was interviewed by Cehrin on her YouTube Series, Sipping on Stories. From building self confidence to embracing being single, Cehrin asked me how single woman can navigate the dating world with confidence, self worth and reclaiming your power.

Of course, there is a sprinkle of spirituality (it is me, of course).

This conversation is full of insights, laughs and inspiration for anyone currently dating or on a pause from it all.

Follow the podcast @singleandnotsettling.podcast

Follow Vanessa Maree @vanessamaree_wingwoman

Check out the interview on YouTube here:

In this episode, I sit down with Liz Ross, a relationship coach specializing in helping neurodiverse women—particularly those with autism or ADHD—navigate the world of dating and relationships.  

We explore what dating looks like for someone with neurodiversity and how unique challenges can impact connections. Liz shares her insights on the importance of clear and healthy communication, inner child work, and family-of-origin healing in building strong relationships.

Whether you’re neurodiverse or not, Liz provides practical tips that anyone can implement to cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships.  

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

- How neurodiversity (autism, ADHD) shapes the dating experience.

- The role of inner child and family-of-origin healing in forming healthy connections.

- Practical tools for clear and effective communication in relationships.

- Tips that are valuable for both neurodiverse individuals and neurotypical listeners.  

Tune in to learn how to approach dating with authenticity and compassion — no matter your starting point.  

Ready to transform your dating life? Check out my empowering dating e-book, ⁠"The Empowered Single Woman"  ⁠

Connect with Liz:

Website :https://lizross.com.au/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lizross/

Connect and follow me on Instagram:  @vanessamaree_wingwoman

🎙️ Listen to more episodes: Single and Not Settling on Spotify

In this episode of Single and Not Settling, we are diving deep into the topic of financial independence for single women and why it's essential in today’s world.

First, I’m sharing a little update on my dating life, including a memorable speed-dating experience where I ended up in a hilariously unexpected conversation about…diarrhea (yes, really!).

After a few laughs, we get serious, looking at some critical issues affecting women today. Here’s a breakdown of what we cover:

Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor; I’m sharing personal experiences that have worked for me in my journey toward financial independence. Please seek professional financial advice before making any major financial decisions.

Tune in for a mix of humor, personal stories, and practical advice to help you start creating a financially independent life on your own terms.

Let’s empower ourselves to live confidently, with or without a partner!

I'd love to hear what you loved most about this episode! Connect with me at @vanessamaree_wingwoman

"...Ghosting is a reflection on them for their inability to communicate" - Andi Lew

Andi Lew is a Lifestyle and Wellness expert, TV Host and Best Selling Author and our guest on this episode of Single and Not Settling!

Vanessa Maree talks to Andi Lew about her book "Where'd They Go?", which addresses what ghosting really is and ways to find closure and deal with the disappearance of someone.  Although we are associate ghosting with dating, it can also happen in business and in friendships!
Listen to this episode to hear:

To purchase one of Andi Lew's books, head to her website: https://andilew.com/shop-products/
To book in your 15 minute coaching call with Andi Lew head to her Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/andi.lew/
To connect with Vanessa Maree: https://www.instagram.com/vanessamaree_wingwoman/

A note from Vanessa Maree...

"This is absolutely a dream come true. I was so nervous throughout this interview as I could have pinched myself, achieving this goal of mine. You see in 2020 after I was ghosted and the world shut down, I found a podcast by Dr Karin. Her advice on dating and relationships gave me hope, taught me so much of what I know today but also helped me dive deeper into why I was choosing the wrong men, it all began to make sense!! On this platform I created, I saw it as an opportunity to personally thank Dr Karin for having such an impact on my life, where I am today and where I continue to grow.

Dr Karin is such a genuine person, so kind and has the best sense of humour!

I am so proud of myself and proud of this episode.

I hope you gain value from Dr Karin as much as I have throughout the years."

In this exciting episode of "Single and NOT Settling," Vanessa Maree sits down with Dr. Karin Anderson Abrell, a psychologist, author, and captivating speaker.

Dr. Karin opens up about her own experience as a "runaway bride" and so much more! Tune in to discover:

Don't miss out on this empowering conversation packed with valuable insights for your dating journey!

For a copy of Dr Karin's Empowered Dating Playbook, click here

I'd love to connect with you on Instagram! Head over to

On this episode of Single and Not Settling, Vanessa Maree shares in a conversation with Rachel Smith, a feminine embodied coach about the things you wish you knew before you go on a dating app!

Are you swiping left and right with expectations to find your future partner? This expectant energy is what Rachel believes is blocking you from meeting a potential match. 

Listen to hear how a simple tweak can shift this for you as well as:

Connect with Vanessa Maree on Instagram and share what you loved most about this episode

Until next time!  

On this episode of Single and Not Settling, we welcome Amy Louise Cash as our guest.  

Amy is a woman's coach and mentor who I had the privilege of connecting with through a masterclass about nervous system regulation and setting healthy standards.

Many of us are experiencing some form of stress and anxiety and I felt it was important to bring awareness to this on the podcast and Amy speaks in to this so clearly and passionately.

Amy offers candid insights in this episode, diving into nervous system regulation and real-life experiences #realtalk

Listen as we explore:

- The pivotal role of the nervous system in emotional healing.

- Understanding the mechanisms triggered by our nervous system during moments of stress.

- Distinguishing between the survival brain and the learning brain.

- Practical techniques available to everyone for daily nervous system regulation.

- Shedding light on commonly suppressed thoughts and emotions.

- Establishing healthy standards to set energetic boundaries in various facets of life – be it business, relationships, or friendships.

Below is the link to the online self paced course mentioned in our episode if you would like to further support in establishing your standards:

https://www.themanmenu.com/

I'd love to hear with you learnt most from this episode, connect with me on Instagram!

⁠⁠@vanessamaree_wingwoman