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Showing posts from May, 2025

5 Ways to Detach From the Outcome in Dating

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Detach from the outcome in dating? If dating has been frustrating, follow these 5 tips for dating success! — Why should you detach from the outcome in dating? It’s not about keeping the person you’re dating at arm’s length. The reasons for detaching from the outcome are all about not losing yourself or jumping ahead into a future that doesn’t exist yet. Otherwise, dating can feel like a rollercoaster — one minute you’re excited, the next you’re spiraling into “what does this mean?” territory after a text or a look or an unanswered message.  You want things to work out. But when you grip too tightly to a specific outcome — whether it’s a second date or a fantasy future — you lose your ability to stay present. You stop listening, observing, and enjoying the moment. And you start performing, pleasing, or projecting. What does it look like to detach from the outcome in dating — not because you don’t care, but because you want to stay level-headed? Here are five ways to start! ...

How to Rethink Our Approach to Modern Dating After 40

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Is modern dating broken? Emma Smith says NO, we just need to rethink our approach to dating in the 21st century. — Is modern dating broken? My podcast guest, Emma Smith, is a licensed therapist who specializes in trauma, sex therapy, and LGBTQ+ healthcare. A former military consultant, she has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and sexual assault survivors. She writes The Intimate Philosopher on Substack, and in her free time loves reading, running, crafting, and all things sparkly. In this episode of Last First Date Radio: The biggest myths about attraction and intimacy The outdated dating advice people should ignore and what to focus on instead How the unspoken “rules” impact dating and how people can break free from them How people can cultivate more meaningful and fulfilling connections without feeling overwhelmed A practical mindset shift or piece of advice to rethink our approach to love and intimacy EP 662: Dr. Emma Smith – How to Rethink Our Approach to Modern Da...

How to Break Your Toxic Dating Patterns

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Do you have toxic dating patterns that are making dating and relationships frustrating and heartbreaking? Watch this video! — People often ask me, “Why can’t I break this toxic dating pattern, even when I know the partners I choose are not good for me?” I tell them, “ We seek what’s familiar to us.” Even when it’s painful. Even when it’s the last thing we want. We do this because what we know deep in our nervous system from early childhood —  feels safer than what is unfamiliar to us. It’s not your fault. Your inner wiring is still running old scripts — scripts built on conditioning, pain, unhealed wounds, and survival strategies. When you’ve lived in chaos, criticism, or abandonment, you unconsciously seek out those feelings again — not because you want it, but because it feels familiar. Here are five ways to break your toxic dating patterns. How do you break your toxic dating patterns? To begin to break your toxic dating patterns, make the unconscious conscious...

Wedding Speech Disasters (and how to avoid them)

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Brian Franklin can help you avoid wedding speech disasters! Listen to the podcast to learn the keys to writing a good wedding speech. — Ever struggle with writing a wedding speech? Dubbed “The Humorist” by the New York Times, Brian Franklin is the Co-Founder of Vows & Speeches, which he founded in mid-2021 with his wife and business partner, Nicole Franklin.  Prior to 2023, Brian was the founder and President of an award-winning political consulting firm, where he oversaw messaging, communications (including speechwriting), and advertising for state and federal campaigns nationwide. In this episode: Why start a business writing wedding speeches? What’s the process?  What’s the right balance of humor vs. sentimentality?  What about people with public speaking anxiety?  Should people memorize, have everything typed out, or use bullets? EP 661: Brian Franklin – Wedding Speech Disasters (and how to avoid them) Why did you start a business writing we...

How to Create a Breakup Plan (When You’re Happy)

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Create a breakup plan with your partner when you’re happy together? Yes, it’s like relationship insurance. Here’s how to create yours. — A breakup plan? I know. It sounds a little crazy. You’re in love! Why would you plan for things to end? Hear me out — because this isn’t about being pessimistic. It’s about being realistic, respectful, and emotionally mature. When you’re happy and grounded, you’re more compassionate and clear. That’s exactly when you want to have the harder conversations. Because when you’re not happy — when you’re activated or hurting — that’s when things tend to get messy. And fast. Making a breakup plan is like relationship insurance. You hope you never need it. But if you do? You’ll be so grateful it’s there. Here’s how to get started… Most relationships don’t end because people didn’t love each other. They end because of unmet needs, miscommunication, or unresolved conflict. A breakup plan helps you prevent some of that — and helps you walk aw...

Seven Words That Can Change Your Life

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Jerry Giordano wrote a book about seven words that can change your life. Find out what they are in this episode of Last First Date Radio! — Did you know that seven words can change your life? Jerry Giordano is an award-winning advertising copywriter/Creative Director working and living in NYC, Chicago, Los Angeles, Austin and Dallas. He is a co-producer of TEDx events, penned four screenplays, studied comedy at Chicago’s Second City, and performed sketch comedy in NYC and LA. He collects old cameras, photographs manhole covers, is a JFK assassination nut, meditates, and lives in the moment. He’s also the author of Your 7 Words to a Happier You; unlock the story sabotaging your relationships .  In this episode: What is “Your 7 Words to a Happier You” about? What does “unlock the story sabotaging your relationships” mean? What the discovery of the 7-word sabotaging story done for relationships  What the 7 words have to do with getting into one dysfunctional or narciss...

7 Ways to Build Chemistry on a First Date

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Here are seven ways you can build chemistry on a first date, especially if you don’t feel an initial spark. — Did you know if you don’t feel an initial spark on a first date, you can actually build chemistry? Let’s say you’ve been messaging someone on a dating app—you’ve been playful, curious, confident—and now you’ve got the first date locked in. That’s exciting! But now the nerves kick in. What do you wear? What do you say? How do you actually connect in person without feeling like you’re stuck in a job interview or awkwardly oversharing? Let’s break it down. Because a great first date isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present , genuine , and unforgettable …and hopefully building chemistry one date a time. 7 Ways to Build Chemistry on a First Date 1. Set the Tone When You Set the Date First impressions don’t start when you walk in the door—they start with how you confirm the date. If you’ve ever been ghosted, you might worry that your match will not show up....

How to Talk Dirty Without Sounding Creepy: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

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Let’s be honest, dirty talk can be a total game-changer in the bedroom. When done right, it cranks the heat up to 100, builds sexual tension, and creates an emotional high that makes you unforgettable. But when done wrong? It’s awkward, uncomfortable, and—yep—can feel straight-up creepy. So, how do you walk the tightrope between sexy and cringeworthy? This complete beginner’s guide to talking dirty without sounding creepy breaks it down step by step. You’ll learn how to ease into dirty talk naturally, what to say (and what NOT to say), and how to read her cues like a pro. Because the truth is, women want to hear what you’re thinking—when it’s delivered with confidence, not desperation. The Psychology Behind Dirty Talk Engaging in dirty talk stimulates the brain’s pleasure centers, enhancing arousal and emotional bonding. It allows partners to express desires, fantasies, and appreciation, fostering a deeper connection. According to a study published in the Journal of Sex Research ,...

How to Increase Intimacy in Your Everyday Life

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You can increase intimacy in all parts of your life. My podcast guests, Celeste and Danielle, will show you how! — Do you want to know how to increase intimacy in your life? Danielle Harel, Ph.D., and Celeste Hirschman, M.A., are co-founders of the Somatica® Institute. They revolutionized intimacy and relationship coaching with their experiential Somatica Method. They have trained over 1,000 coaches, authored three books, and inspired countless people to embrace vulnerability and rediscover desire. In this episode: How to start practicing intimacy in your daily life Why it’s essential to start with non-romantic connections How to step out of your comfort zone and practice intimacy with strangers How couples can create chemistry, even if they don’t feel an immediate connection at first Some of the first steps someone can take to actively generate more chemistry with their partner, even after years together How men can shed their emotional armor and lean into vulnerability w...

Online Dating Texting Tips: From First Message to First Date

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Follow these online dating texting tips to go from first message to first date with confidence and success! — Let’s talk about that part of online dating no one trains us for: the texting. You match, you smile, maybe you even do a little happy dance… and then the real question hits: What do I say now? You want to be charming, confident, interested—but not desperate. You want to move things forward—but not force anything. And most of all, you don’t want to end up in a two-week text-a-thon that goes absolutely nowhere. Here’s how to navigate the texting stage like a high-value, confident person who knows what they want— and knows they’re worth it. Online Dating Texting Tips: How to Go from First Message to First Date with Confidence 1. Be Intriguing, Not Exhaustive Imagine this: You’ve just started watching a great Netflix show, and someone spoils the ending. That’s what it feels like when you pour out your entire life story in one text. Instead, give teasers , not chapt...