Smart Dating Academy - The Podcast

Arielle Ford is a love and relationship expert, and a leading personality in the personal growth space - she's been a pal of Bela's for many years.   This episode is FILLED with answers to questions that have been wrestled with for centuries, and they break it down for you step by step: 1) What is LOVE?  (Spoiler Alert - Bela and Arielle are in 100% agreement about the definition)!  And, Bela disc...

Silvia Foti is an amazing woman, author, high-school English teacher, and a client of Smart Dating Academy who found love.  Silvia was willing to share her inspiring story with all of YOU to show you that love is possible under even the toughest of circumstances.   Silvia was married for 35 years.  Her mother died when Silvia was 38 years old, and her last wish on her deathbed was that Silvia fini...

This episode is something you have ASKED FOR!    Flirting, building charisma & confidence is something we ALL want to get better at - whether we are single or coupled!   I brought on one of my favorite experts, Kimmy Seltzer, who is a confidence therapist, flirting wingwoman and personal stylist.  There is something for EVERYONE in this episode - woman or man!    What is the magic formula, The...

This conversation covers AMAZING gems, including: --3 Myths About Men (these are awesome, and have to do with 'the chase', sex, and feelings) --The differences between men's & women's brains (I about passed out when I learned this - it makes COMPLETE sense) --The AWESOME four communication archetypes (are you a lioness, puppy, koala bear or scorpion)? --How to get men to HEAR you (and it doesn...

This episode is AMAZING with Rachel Zar, renowned sex and relationship therapist.   We discussed ALL of the things you need to know - and make sure you don't have little ears around you while listening to this!   1) WHEN is the right time to have sex? 2) If you've had sex with someone, is it advisable / necessary to have sex every time? 3) What's the thing that causes the BEST sex, always? 4) What...

Colin Egglesfield is an AMAZING actor who has walked the red carpets of Hollywood, starring in "Something Borrowed" with the beautiful Kate Hudson.  He's also been on All My Children and Melrose Place, just to name a few.   Colin is a VERY eligible bachelor, and came on the podcast to talk about what men like him are REALLY looking for in women (he's dated both actresses as well as us 'normal' gir...

In this episode, I discuss TOXIC friendships/relationships and staying out of the "RED Zone" with therapist Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo who is Shaquille O'Neal's "Head Coach for Happiness", author of "Get Out of the Red Zone", and mental health expert on the TODAY Show, Good Morning America and the New York Times.  We covered a TON, and you're going to love it all, especially: What are the signs of a t...

This episode with Dr. Michelle Roberts is about women, narcissistic abuse, why it happens, and how to heal from it (this is what she researched and practices today). It blew my mind, because I didn't even know that C-PTSD was a diagnosis, and what it meant.  It's SUPER significant in the dating world, and if you've had dating patterns, this episode will change them!  In this episode, we cover: How...

This episode was a gem-filled chat with Stephanie Mansour about "Building Your Confidence at Every Age and Size!" Stephanie Mansour is a nationally recognized Health & Fitness Expert and host of “Step It Up with Steph” on American Public Television. She is weight-loss coach for women. You can see her health, fitness, food, and lifestyle TV show on PBS stations across the country! Steph is also...

How Rachel Went from Betrayal to Love - and got out of the "Drama Triangle!"   This week's episode is an amazing chat with serial entrepreneur Rachel Graham, about finding love & purpose after betrayal.  Rachel is the founder of Evolve and Transform, co-founder of Healing Springs Ranch, and has a beautiful love story that came after lots of bumps & bruises along the way.  She's so relatabl...

This episode taught me a lot about myself, and I hope it will do the same for you.  It will change you to think about your core values in a NEW way.    It'll inspire you to really think about yourself, who you are, and maybe what a better career is for you OR a better partner (there are TONS of similarities between job search and partner search)!   In this episode, I interview the inimitable Ashle...

Bela has a REAL, in depth chat with celebrity divorce attorney Laura Wasser, who has represented celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Britney Spears, Dr. Dre, Kelly Clarkson, Jimmy Iovine, Maria Shriver, Stevie Wonder and the list goes on. Laura Wasser is also an author, entrepreneur, and Family Law expert. She is the senior partner at the law firm Wasser, Cooperman, Mandles, the founder and C.E.O. of...

Danielle who has created a life she LOVES at the age of 30.  She's a famed TV host, entrepreneur, podcaster, and a dear friend.  She has interviewed Taylor Swift, Michael B. Jordan, Helen Mirren -- and Larry King says that she 'has the ability to make people feel seen."  In this chat, Danielle shares with us: The way she got to know herself (it has to do with 800 questions....) What happened when...

This episode is PURE fire, and so perfect for Valentine's Day.   Nancy Hala is a renowned entrepreneur, podcaster, who became a Smart Dater with Bela.  Nancy found love online and got married in September 2021 to the most magical man ever (and they're both over 50).   Nancy and her podcast partner Sheri invited Bela to be the 'dating coach' on their podcast -- coaching Nancy to find love.  This ep...

Most people think that Peak Dating Season is in the SUMMER, but guess what?  It's from 12/26-Valentine's Day!  Why?  Because half of US adults are SINGLE and they're making resolutions to get back into the dating pool and FALL IN LOVE! In this episode, I'll talk about HOW to take advantage of PEAK DATING SEASON (whether it's in this time frame or anytime)! The Right Mindset Apps - Which ones and h...

The "N" word -- "narcissist", is a word that is thrown around a LOT in our culture.  We use it to describe people in our family, colleagues, bosses, friends, and more!   But what are the REAL signs you're dealing with a narcissist?  In this episode, I will tell you: The 9 actual parameters that therapists use from the DSM-5 to diagnose narcissism How narcissists will show up in your dating life Th...

In this episode Bela explores dating during and after divorce with Susan Guthrie.   Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law and Mediation Attorneys in the country, has been helping individuals and families navigate separation and divorce for 30 years. Susan provides online divorce mediation and legal coaching services to select clients around the world. Susan is also the...

In this AMAZING episode, Bela interviews Jill Sherer Murray, author of best-selling inspirational book, "Big Wild Love."   Jill shares with us the story of her own searching, and finding her Big Wild Love (and her TEDx talk about it has MILLIONS of views).    In this episode, Jill shares with us: Why she stayed in a relationship for 12 years that she knew wasn't going anywhere What finally happene...

In this Instagram Live edition, Bela busts the biggest dating myths out there including: 1) Dating is a numbers game 2) You need to feel a spark of chemistry right away 3) You need to be in 'lust' right away 4) Online Dating is only for losers 5) Men take longer to fall in love 6) Men don't want to date successful women 7) Short men have no dating prospects Bela Gandhi of Smart Dating Academy, is...