After watching The Materialists, a long-time listener sent in a question that struck a chord:

“What’s it going to take for us to kill the curve and stop dating by height, BMI, salary, or things that don’t speak to true character?” 

In this episode, Damona unpacks the real-life impact of checklist dating, explores the illusions behind modern matchmaking, and responds with practical advice for anyone who’s ever felt overlooked or friend-zoned.

Plus, she shares her “Nice Guy 9” framework—9 simple shifts that help you connect more deeply and date more intentionally.

What You’ll Hear In This Episode:

How dating checklists quietly sabotage real connection

What The Materialists gets right—and dangerously wrong—about dating culture

The matchmaking myth and what it really costs (literally and emotionally)

Why bad boys always win—and why that isn’t actually what’s happening

The Nice Guy Nine: Damona’s go-to dating strategy for deeper connection

How to shift your love story by changing the stories you tell yourself

Resources & Links:

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