Smart Dating Academy - The Podcast

What makes love last?

I sit down with Zach Brittle, certified Gottman therapist and host of Marriage Therapy Radio, to talk about the relationship habits that help couples thrive.

We discuss self-awareness, emotional availability, commitment, and why you can't fix someone who isn't ready to change. Plus, learn how to recognize unhealthy patterns, date with intention, and build a relationship rooted in mutual growth.

Whether you're dating after divorce or hoping to find love again, this conversation will help you approach relationships with greater clarity and confidence.

👉 Apply to work with our dating coaches: https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact
Website: https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/

What if you stopped trying to give everyone a chance and started getting better at recognizing who is actually right for you?

In this episode of the Smart Dating Academy Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Jennie Young, creator of the Burned Haystack Dating Method, to talk about dating apps, red flags, compatibility, boundaries, and finding healthy love.

After returning to dating around age 50, Jennie began noticing patterns in the profiles and messages she encountered. That experience led her to develop a method for filtering potential matches more effectively.

We discuss:

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Why dating is a process of elimination

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Why trying to appeal to everyone can work against you

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How dating profiles reveal information through language and tone

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Jennie's 33 red flag rhetorical patterns

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How to ask questions that reveal someone's values

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Why Jennie doesn't assume positive intent on dating apps

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When being too strict with dating filters can become a risk

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How video dates can protect your time

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Why respecting boundaries is an important green flag

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What emotional regulation looks like in dating

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How Jennie met her partner on Hinge

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Why instant chemistry isn't always necessary

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Why you don't have to feel optimistic every day to find love

Jennie's own love story is a reminder that you can feel frustrated with dating, question the process, and still find someone wonderful.

If you're dating after divorce, dating in midlife, or ready to stop wasting time on people who aren't right for you, this episode is for you.

Ready to Find Lasting Love? Join Bela for a Free Webinar!

Join Bela Gandhi on October 27 from 7:00–8:30 PM for How to Find Lasting Love and STOP Wasting Precious Time! Discover how to break unhelpful dating patterns, recognize true compatibility, and date with more confidence so you can find the lasting love you deserve.

Save your spot here: https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/webinars-index
Learn more about Smart Dating Academy: https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/
👉 Apply to work with our dating coaches: https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact

What if the biggest relationship you need to repair is the one you have with yourself?

On this episode of the Smart Dating Academy Podcast, Bela Gandhi sits down with relationship coach Trevor Hanson to unpack anxious attachment, fear of abandonment, self-abandonment, trust issues, and what it really takes to create secure, healthy relationships.

Trevor shares his personal journey from working at Tesla and staying in a toxic relationship to becoming a coach who helps people move from anxious attachment toward security.

You’ll learn:

• Why knowing your patterns intellectually isn't always enough to change them
• What "emotionally corrective experiences" are and why they matter
• How fear of abandonment can cause you to abandon yourself
• Why people-pleasing, over-giving, and putting up walls can all keep you stuck
• How to build self-trust after heartbreak or betrayal
• Why boundaries begin with the boundaries you have with yourself
• A simple daily question that can help you show up for yourself
• Bela's memorable "Swiss cheese vs. American cheese" metaphor for dating confidence

If you're dating after divorce, trying to find love again, struggling with emotional availability, or simply ready to build healthier relationships, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on where real change begins.

👉 Apply to work with our dating coaches: https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact
Learn more about Smart Dating Academy: https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/

What if the biggest obstacle to finding love isn't your dating app, your age, or your relationship history, but your nervous system?

In this fascinating conversation, Bela Gandhi sits down with nervous system educator and physiotherapist Jessica Maguire to uncover how your body's stress response influences attraction, dating anxiety, emotional availability, and relationship success.

If you've ever overthought a text message, felt instant chemistry with the wrong person, or struggled to trust your instincts while dating, this episode will help you understand why.

You'll learn why emotional safety is the foundation of healthy relationships, how to recognize when your nervous system is driving your decisions, and practical ways to become calmer, more confident, and more intentional in love.

Whether you're dating after divorce, getting back out there, or simply ready to build a healthier relationship, this episode is full of practical insights that can change the way you date.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why dating anxiety starts in the nervous system

• The difference between chemistry and emotional safety

• How childhood experiences shape adult relationships

• Why emotional regulation leads to better dating decisions

• How to stop asking, "Do they like me?" and start asking, "Do I like them?"

Ready to create the healthy relationship you deserve?

Apply to work with the Smart Dating Academy coaching team:
https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact
Learn more:
https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/
Jessica's Website: http://www.jessicamaguire.com/

You know what to do in dating.

So why is it still so hard to do it?

In this powerful conversation, Bela Gandhi sits down with nervous system coach Masha Kay to explore why so many successful people stay stuck in familiar dating patterns, even when they know better.

If you've ever wondered why you keep attracting emotionally unavailable partners, struggle with dating anxiety, or can't seem to find healthy relationships despite doing all the "right" things, this episode is for you.

You'll learn:

• Why your nervous system influences every dating decision

• Why awareness alone doesn't create lasting change

• How emotional safety changes who you're attracted to

• Practical ways to stop repeating unhealthy relationship patterns

Whether you're dating after divorce, looking to find love again, or simply ready for healthier relationships, this conversation offers hope, clarity, and actionable insights.

Apply to work with Smart Dating Academy:
https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact
Learn more:
https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/

Chemistry feels exciting. Compatibility creates lasting love.

Have you ever met someone who gave you instant butterflies, only to discover later that the relationship left you anxious, exhausted, or questioning yourself?

In this episode, Bela Gandhi sits down with bestselling author and relationship coach Sabrina Bendory to explore why so many smart, successful people mistake chemistry for compatibility. Together, they unpack the hidden patterns that keep us chasing emotionally unavailable partners and explain why healthy love often feels very different than what we've been taught to expect.

Whether you're dating after divorce, healing from heartbreak, or simply ready to build a healthier relationship, this conversation offers practical tools to help you date with more confidence, clarity, and self-worth.

In this episode you'll learn:

• The real difference between chemistry and compatibility

• Why emotionally unavailable partners can feel so attractive

• How childhood conditioning shapes adult relationships

• Why healthy love can feel unfamiliar at first

• How to recognize emotional availability

• Practical ways to break old dating patterns and find lasting love

If you're ready to stop chasing the spark and start building a relationship that actually lasts, this episode is for you.

👉 Apply to work with Smart Dating Academy's dating coaches:
https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact
Learn more:
https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/

What if the secret to finding love isn’t becoming more impressive, but becoming more you?

In this episode, I sit down with Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer of VaynerX, to talk about authenticity, emotional intelligence, and self-worth in dating.

We explore how the way you show up at work mirrors how you show up in love, and why being your real self is the key to finding a healthy, lasting relationship.

If you’re dating after divorce, rebuilding confidence, or ready to find love again without settling, this episode is for you.

Apply to work with our dating coaches: https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact

https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/

How Your Mind Shapes Your Love Life and It’s Bigger Than You Think

What if your dating struggles aren’t about timing or luck but your thoughts?

In this eye-opening episode, Bela Gandhi sits down with neuroscientist Dr. Caroline Leaf to reveal how your mind is driving your relationship patterns.

If you’re dating after divorce, feeling stuck, or ready to find love again, this conversation will change how you see everything.

You’ll learn how to break unhealthy cycles, build emotional availability, and date with clarity and confidence.

👉 Apply to work with our dating coaches: https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact
🌐 https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/
Dr. Caroline Leaf's website: https://drleaf.com/

What if the key to better dating was simple curiosity?

In this episode, Bela Gandhi talks with Alison Armstrong about understanding men, improving communication, and finding love again without frustration.

If you are dating after divorce or feeling stuck, this conversation will change how you approach relationships.

Apply to work with us:
https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact
Website:
https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/
Alison's website: http://alisonarmstrong.com/

Michelle is a therapist who helped others heal from toxic relationships, but wasn’t sure love was possible for herself.

In this episode, she shares how she found love overseas on Instagram and what finally shifted her mindset from doubt to belief.

If you’re navigating dating after divorce, struggling with emotional availability, or wondering if love will happen for you, this story will inspire you.

In this episode:

Dating after heartbreak and divorce
Finding love in unexpected places
Emotional availability and mindset shifts
High-value dating advice for professionals
👉 Apply to work with our dating coaches: https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact
🌐 https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/

Dating after divorce can feel overwhelming but it can also be your greatest opportunity for growth and real love.

In this episode, Bela Gandhi sits down with divorce and co-parenting expert Michelle Dempsey-Multack to talk about how to heal, rebuild confidence, and date with intention.

You’ll learn how to know if you’re ready, how to avoid common dating mistakes, and how to create healthy, emotionally available relationships.

If you want to find love again without repeating the past, this episode is for you.

Apply to work with us: https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact
Website: https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/

If you keep attracting the wrong people, this episode will change everything.

Bela Gandhi sits down with Stephan Labossiere of Stephan Speaks to talk about emotional availability, healing patterns, and how to finally find healthy love after heartbreak or divorce.

You’ll learn:

• Why you repeat relationship patterns
• How to spot emotionally unavailable partners
• What it really takes to build a healthy relationship

If you’re ready to stop settling and start dating smarter, this one is for you.

Apply to work with us:
https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact

Website:
https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/

What if dating success had less to do with luck… and more to do with negotiation?

In this episode, Bela Gandhi sits down with negotiation expert Kristen Prinz to reveal how understanding your needs, setting boundaries, and advocating for yourself can transform your love life.

Whether you're dating after divorce, feeling stuck, or ready to find love again, this conversation will help you stop settling and start creating the relationship you truly deserve.

👉 Apply to work with us:
https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact
🌐 https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/
Kristen's website: https://www.prinz-lawfirm.com/
Pre-order Kristen's book: https://www.amazon.com/New-Rules-Negotiation-Shift-Matters/dp/1399832409/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SXXhMeK-iH4yKHrx_BoWxw.GzA2czqZss9itoPteaBJUF-CXW1VNg3gyaz0ttWipI0

What if dating success had less to do with luck… and more to do with negotiation?

In this episode, Bela Gandhi sits down with negotiation expert Kristen Prinz to reveal how understanding your needs, setting boundaries, and advocating for yourself can transform your love life.

Whether you're dating after divorce, feeling stuck, or ready to find love again, this conversation will help you stop settling and start creating the relationship you truly deserve.

👉 Apply to work with us:
https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact
🌐 https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/
Kristen's website: https://www.prinz-lawfirm.com/
Pre-order Kristen's book: https://www.amazon.com/New-Rules-Negotiation-Shift-Matters/dp/1399832409/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SXXhMeK-iH4yKHrx_BoWxw.GzA2czqZss9itoPteaBJUF-CXW1VNg3gyaz0ttWipI0

In this eye-opening episode, Bela Gandhi sits down with relationship expert Terri Cole to talk about boundaries, self-worth, and why high-achievers often struggle to find love.

If you are dating after divorce, feeling burned out, or wondering why you keep attracting the wrong people, this episode will shift everything.

You will learn how to stop overgiving, raise your standards, and finally create the healthy, balanced relationship you deserve.

👉 Apply to work with our dating coaches: https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact
🌐 https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/

In this heartfelt episode, Bela Gandhi sits down with relationship expert Robin Ducharme to talk about forgiveness, emotional availability, and how to break free from toxic relationship cycles.

You will learn:
• How to heal after unhealthy relationships
• Why forgiveness unlocks emotional freedom
• The power of saying “I’m sorry” in love
• How to stop over-functioning in dating
• What it means to be an elevator person

If you are dating after divorce, heartbreak, or burnout, this episode will change how you approach love and healthy relationships forever.

Apply to work with our dating coaches:
https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact
Website:
https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/

Website:https://realloveready.com/
Real Love Ready on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/realloveready/
Robin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinducharmeofficial/

Robin's book: https://geni.us/RealLoveReadyBook

Dating after 50 can feel intimidating — especially if you’ve been out of the dating world for years.

Maybe you're divorced.
Maybe you're widowed.
Maybe dating apps feel overwhelming.

But here’s the truth: some of the healthiest and happiest relationships actually begin in midlife.

In this episode, Smart Dating Academy founder Bela Gandhi shares the mindset shifts and strategies that help singles successfully navigate dating after 50, dating after divorce, and online dating in midlife.

If you're wondering how to approach dating in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or beyond, this episode will help you date with confidence, clarity, and optimism.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The biggest mistake people make when dating again after a long relationship
• Why the midlife dating pool is stronger than most people think
• How to stop repeating unhealthy relationship patterns
• Why online dating feels overwhelming — and how to approach it differently
• Why chemistry isn’t always the best indicator of compatibility

If you’re ready to date smarter in midlife, Bela is also hosting a live workshop:

Dating During Midlife and Over 50 Love Lab

👉 Register here:
https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/lovelab-dating-during-midlife
Love does not have an expiration date — and your best relationship may still be ahead.

Are hidden self-worth patterns quietly sabotaging your love life?

In this powerful episode, Bela Gandhi and Dr. Amanda Hanson explore how childhood conditioning, emotional availability, and nervous system patterns impact dating, relationships, and finding healthy love.

If you are dating after divorce, feeling stuck in unhealthy attraction cycles, or ready to find love again without settling, this conversation will help you shift from overgiving and burnout to confidence and alignment.

You will learn how self-worth, inner child healing, and emotional awareness directly influence who you attract and how you build lasting relationships.

👉 Apply to work with our dating coaches: https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact
Website: https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/

Feeling anxious about dating? You are not alone.

In this episode of The Smart Dating Academy Podcast, Bela Gandhi sits down with therapist Kevin Mimms to unpack dating anxiety, emotional availability, and how to calm your nervous system so you can find love again.

If you are dating after divorce, newly single, or simply exhausted by modern dating, this episode gives you practical tools to feel confident and grounded.

You will learn:
• Why dating anxiety happens
• How to regulate your nervous system
• How to stop avoiding and start building confidence
• What emotional availability really looks like
• How to create healthy relationships without settling

Ready to work with a relationship coach?

Apply here: https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact
Visit us: https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/

In this episode, Bela Gandhi is joined by Dr. Justin Garcia, Executive Director of the Kinsey Institute and author of The Intimate Animal, for a fascinating conversation on modern dating, emotional availability, and healthy relationships.

They explore why humans crave both intimacy and novelty, how sex influences connection, why dating apps feel overwhelming, and what actually helps high achieving women and men find love again without settling.

This episode blends research, compassion, and real life dating wisdom you can actually use.

Apply to work with our dating coaches:
https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact
Website:
https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/
Purchase Justin's book:
https://www.amazon.com/Intimate-Animal-Science-Fidelity-Live/dp/0316594032