Dating Intentionally

Ok, but what does ENM really mean? In this episode, I talk with Claire Perelman, a sex therapist, about what ethical non-monogamy (ENM) actually is (and isn't). We talk about different types of ENM (polyamory, swinging, open relationships, solo poly etc), “ethical” matters (consent, clarity, agreements), and how jealousy, anxiety, and attachment styles show up in real life. Claire shares her path...

In this episode, I delve into what it truly means to be “ready” to date vs ready for a relationship. There’s a big difference between, and most people confuse the two. I’ll share how to tell if you're ready to date or for a relationship (or both), what true dating readiness looks like, and why you don’t need to have every part of your life perfectly together before putting yourself out there. We’l...

In this episode, I break down the top 11 red-flag phrases to never ignore in early dating, what they really mean, how to spot them even when attraction is loud, and exactly what to say or do in the moment. If you've ever heard the classics like “I’m bad at texting,” “I don’t like labels,” “you’re too good for me,” and “I’m not looking for anything serious right now,” this one is for you. At the en...

I’m breaking down how to handle workplace crushes without risking your job or your peace of mind! I cover what the research says about how common office romances really are, why you should never date a boss or direct report, and the steps to take if you do want to pursue a crush at work, from grabbing a casual lunch to keeping it professional at the office. I also share my own story about dating a...

In this episode, I talk with writer and academic Kelly Coyne about intentional living, relationships, and what happens when traditional scripts around dating and marriage fall short. We explore women’s narratives, prenups, communication, gender norms, and the “quiet betrayals” that can erode long-term partnerships. From rethinking chivalry to building a circle of support, this conversation offers...

In this episode, I’m breaking down 10 practical, low-pressure ways to build emotional closeness that feel fun, natural, and mutual so you’re not stuck carrying all the weight of “going deep.” I’ll show you how to connect through shared experiences, create emotional safety, and build trust without forcing heavy conversations, plus why emotional intimacy is more than just talking about your feelings...

Welcome to part 1 of Comparing Notes , a new mini series I'm doing with my friend, Ali Jackson of Finding Mr. Height ! This entire series will cover the different stages of a new relationship: what to expect, what to focus on and how to get through it with grace. In this episode, we're deep diving into the first 3 months of a new relationship, talking about our own experiences and providing tons o...

Maybe you’ve heard the advice to “date multiple people,” but you’re not sure how it actually works, if it’s even possible for you, or why you’d want to try it. In this episode, I’m sharing seven tips on how to approach dating multiple people before getting into a relationship. Multidating isn’t for everyone, but it works well if you're prioritizing dating, and it might be worth trying if you get a...

In this episode, Dr. Caroline Leaf and I are bringing you the conversation about what it really means to “not be okay”, especially when it comes to dating and our mental health. We cover why sadness or anxiety doesn’t mean we’re broken, and how the pressure to be constantly happy or healed can actually make things worse. Caroline shared practical tools from her new book Help in a Hurry , including...

Let's dive into how (and when) to take a real break from dating. If dating feels like a chore or if you're just emotionally tapped out, it just might be time to pull yourself out of the game to recover. In this episode, I'm walking you through how to take a break without feeling like you’re falling behind or sabotaging your chances of meeting someone. You'll learn signs it's time to reset, how to...

In this episode of Dating Intentionally, I’m joined by Caroline Winkler, one of my favorite YouTubers with nearly 1M subscribers! Caroline is also the co-host of the Not For Everyone podcast. I reached out to Caroline after seeing her amazing video on relationship with her fiance and how she redefined the age-old advice to "date outside your type." We’re diving into the messy, powerful journey of...

In this episode, I’m breaking down the difference between healthy pursuit and unhealthy chasing in dating, because yes, there’s a big difference. I share personal stories of times I chased and was chased, plus the subtle signs someone’s just not that into you (and what to do when that’s the case). You’ll learn how to check your own behavior, spot disinterest early, and avoid wasting energy trying...

What you wear on a date matters, but not how you might think! In this episode, I’m joined by professional stylist Cassandra Sethi, founder of Next Level Wardrobe, to talk about how to dress with confidence and put together stylish outfits in under a minute. We get into how to create outfits that reflect who you are and what to do if your closet just isn’t working for you anymore. Cassandra shares...

In this throwback episode, I’m breaking down the difference between sparks, chemistry, and compatibility and why chasing the spark can actually hurt your dating life. We’ll talk about what the spark really is (spoiler: it’s brain chemicals), why it fades fast, and what matters more for a long-term relationship. I share the three biggest myths about sparks, plus tips for building real chemistry and...

In this bonus episode, I'm sharing my thoughts on the new movie, "Materialists." I'm breaking down what this film says about love, money, capitalism and dating for the long term, and what it got right about today's dating culture. If you haven't seen this movie yet, beware of spoilers! I'd love to hear your thoughts on this too, so drop your hot takes in the comments below. Learn more about your a...

In this episode, I’m diving into the magic of the real-life meet-cute (yes, it still happens)! You'll hear voice notes from listeners sharing stories about how they met people off the apps, plus my own reflections on building confidence to strike up conversations wth strangers, flirting in everyday situations, and saying yes to new experiences. At the end, we’ll talk about what adult summer camp t...

Ever fallen for a friend? Struggled to balance dating and maintaining your closest connections? In this episode of Dating Intentionally, I’m joined by friendship expert and journalist Anna Goldfarb, author of Modern Friendship, to talk about the emotional intelligence it takes to navigate friendship, dating, and everything in between. We explore the blurred lines between platonic and romantic rela...

In this episode, I’m breaking down how to talk about the future in dating without putting pressure on the other person. Whether you’re in the early stages or navigating a new relationship, these conversations can feel tricky, but they don’t have to be. I’m sharing mindset shifts that help, scripts for each stage of dating, what actually creates pressure, and practical ways to bring up future plans...

In this episode, I’m diving into the often messy, misunderstood world of casual dating. If you’ve ever wondered how to approach it without getting emotionally wrecked or unintentionally leading someone on this one’s for you. I’m breaking down how to date casually with clarity, from being upfront about your intentions to setting boundaries that protect your energy. We’ll talk about why emotional de...

In this episode, I’m joined by Danny Goldstein, founder of the Austin-based matchmaking company Crux Compatible, to talk all things compatibility, chemistry, and intentional dating. Danny has a fascinating journey, from practicing law to running a matchmaking business rooted in a deep understanding of what actually makes two people a good fit. We dive into his unique process, including the extensi...

In this episode, I’m diving into why we keep getting drawn to the same types of partners, even when those relationships don't work out or we keep getting hurt. I’ll break down the psychology behind attraction, how our early experiences and attachment styles play a huge role, and why it’s so damn hard to break those familiar patterns. I’m also sharing my own journey of recognizing these dynamics in...

According to Matchmaker Maria, you're not as picky as you think. In this episode, Maria Avgitidis ( @matchmakermaria ) is back on the pod to talk all things dating, relationships, and her brand-new book, Ask A Matchmaker. We get into the nitty-gritty of what it really takes to find (and keep) the right person. We also dive deep into the power of writing a manifest (NOT to be confused with manifest...

In this episode, you’ll learn how to navigating the milestones you’ll hit in a new relationship. All of these “firsts” can be both exciting and nerve-wracking! From the first sleepover to meeting each other's friends and family, these "firsts" often come with their own set of challenges and considerations. I want you to approach these significant moments with intention and authenticity. I’m discus...

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Britt Frank to dig into the messy, complicated world of the inner critics, especially how it shows up in dating. We talk about recognizing the nature of our inner dialogue and why it’s so important to validate our feelings instead of brushing them off. Throughout our conversation, we explore how to move from letting our inner critic take the lead to guiding i...

In this episode of Dating Intentionally, I’m talking about the very real and very common experience of rushing a connection in dating. You’ll hear the signs to look out for, like constant texting, premature intimacy, or talking about the future way too soon. While some of this can feel exciting, I explain why it’s often a red flag, not just enthusiasm. I’ll walk you through how to recognize when t...