Smart Dating Academy - The Podcast

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/contactWebsite: https://www.smartdatingacademy.com

How Monica Broke Her Dating Patterns & Found Real LoveIn this inspiring episode, Bela talks with Smart Dating Academy client Monica Campbell, who shares how she moved from dating the wrong people to attracting a healthy, emotionally available partner.You’ll hear the shifts that changed everything, from breaking old patterns to using the Dating Funnel to date with clarity, confidence, and joy.If you’ve ever wondered whether love is still possible for you, this episode is your reminder that it absolutely is.Apply to work with Bela and our coaching team:https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contactLearn more: https://www.smartdatingacademy.com

What happens when you’ve tried everything to find love and decide to go big?In this heartwarming and hilarious episode, Bela Gandhi talks with Lisa Catalano, the woman who rented 12 billboards in San Francisco to find her husband. They explore what inspired her to take such a bold step, how the world reacted, and what she has already learned about confidence, courage, and connection!✨ Whether you’re dating after divorce, in midlife, or just feeling stuck. This conversation will remind you that it’s never too late (or too bold) to find love.🎯 Apply to work with our dating coaches: smartdatingacademy.com/contact

ating fatigue is something almost every single one of us has felt at some point. Maybe you've been dating for what feels like a century -- maybe you're exhausted by the dating apps (which can feel like "Human EBay"), endless small talk, or the emotional ups and downs of trying to find “your person"; if so this episode is for you! Bela Gandhi sits down with Smart Dating Academy coach Ilene Collins to unpack one of the most common — and overlooked — challenges in modern dating: dating fatigue.Ilene has been a powerful SDA coach for five years and has been a repeat voice on the podcast - responsible for MANY client success stories! This episode will give you a sneak peek of how Ilene met her husband Mark (broke every SDA rule, haha!) and help you see how two people that are different religions, races and careers can build a happy life together! And, Ilene brings both her personal experience and coaching expertise to the conversation, sharing how to spot the early signs of burnout and the mindset shifts that can make dating fun again. Together, Bela and Ilene explore what’s really behind dating fatigue — from unrealistic expectations to dating on autopilot — and how to reset your energy, focus, and optimism.You’ll learn: Why dating fatigue happens (and how to know when you’re in it) The biggest mindset mistake that keeps people stuck in frustration - and the BEST mindset reset (you won't want to miss this because it is POWERFUL) How to take a healthy break — without giving up on love How to meet people in real life How to make a GREAT first impression Practical steps to make dating feel joyful, not draining What it means to date with intention and curiosity Whether you’re new to dating or you’ve been at it for a while, this episode will help you find your spark again and remember that dating can actually be exciting, fulfilling, and full of possibility.✨ Ready to fall back in love with dating?Reach out to Smart Dating Academy for expert coaching, personalized strategy, and support that helps you meet amazing people — without the burnout. Visit SmartDatingAcademy.com to learn more.For more free tips and up to date information, click here to register for the Smart Dating Academy free newsletter! https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contactFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartdatingacademy/

What if the love you’ve been waiting for isn’t about luck, but about alignment?In this episode of the Smart Dating Academy Podcast, I’m joined by therapist Jaime Bronstein. With over 20 years of experience, Jaime has helped countless singles heal and grow!We break down why manifesting love is not about magical thinking—it’s about shifting your mindset, trusting your intuition, and clearing out the fears that keep you stuck - Smart Dating style :) We dive deep into the process of identifying the negative narratives you’ve been carrying and replacing them with empowering beliefs that attract the right partner—not just any partner.💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:The key steps to manifesting love in an authentic, grounded way.Why healing old wounds and limiting beliefs is non-negotiable for attracting your soulmate.How to connect with your intuition and let it guide your dating decisions.The fear-based “Dating Personas” Jaime sees most often—and how to break free from them.Jaime’s fun acronyms for spotting non-negotiables and red flags so you can date smarter.Why fear and doubt can become a self-fulfilling prophecy in love—and how to stop it.How to know when you’ve truly found your person.If you’ve ever wondered why love feels so hard—or why you keep attracting the wrong people—this episode will change the game. Ready to redefine your dating life or need guidance on your journey to love? Visit Smart Dating Academy to learn more about our transformative programs.For more free tips and up to date information, click here to register for the Smart Dating Academy free newsletter! https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contactFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartdatingacademy/

Ready to finally understand the cosmic blueprint of your love life? In this episode of The Smart Dating Academy Podcast, Bela sits down with celebrity Vedic astrologer and relationship coach Carol Allen to reveal how ancient astrology meets modern relationship science—helping you find (and keep) the love you deserve. Blending the ancient wisdom of Vedic astrology with modern relationship research, Carol reveals how understanding your astrological chart can help you find your soulmate, deepen an existing relationship, or finally break free from love patterns that have been holding you back. From compatibility and timing to the little-known astrological “red flags” to watch for, this conversation will inspire you to stop leaving love to chance—and start aligning with your romantic destiny.Carol has been featured on E!, EXTRA, Dr. Drew’s Lifechangers, and in Chicken Soup For The Soul and Woman’s World. She’s the author of Love Is In The Stars – The Wise Woman’s Astrological Guide To Men, and her work has helped thousands discover the power they have to attract, enhance, and sustain great love.What you’ll learn in this episode: How Vedic astrology differs from Western astrology—and why it can be a game-changer for dating The “astrological timing” secrets that can make finding love easier Compatibility factors that go beyond sun signs (and what to avoid!) How to work with your chart to heal old patterns and attract better relationships Why love isn’t just fate—it’s also about the actions you take Learn a bit about Bela and her husband Andy's love stars in this episode Don’t wait for the stars to align by accident—let Carol Allen show you how to make them work for you. Click the link to book a session: https://carolallen.isrefer.com/go/wgr/bela/Ready to redefine your dating life or need guidance on your journey to love? Visit Smart Dating Academy to learn more about our transformative programs.For more free tips and up to date information, click here to register for the Smart Dating Academy free newsletter! https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contactFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartdatingacademy/

I’m so excited to share this week’s powerful story, featuring a journey of resilience, radical self-growth, and finding remarkable love later in life. In this unforgettable episode, you’ll meet our client Shari—a vibrant, creative powerhouse who, after divorce and two breakups with the same man, rewrote her love story at 64.Yes, you read that right. Three chapters. One love. Two rounds with Smart Dating Academy. And a lot of healing in between.Shari’s story is full of heart, humor, and deep wisdom about what it takes to truly attract the right partner—and how to recognize your person even when life throws curveballs (and maybe even a little divine intervention).We talked about:💔 Life After Divorce & Starting Over:After 24 years of marriage and being the first in her friend group to divorce, Shari felt completely untethered. Can you relate to that “lost at sea” feeling? She shares how she built a new life piece by piece, starting with getting back to work and rediscovering who she was outside of being a mom and wife.🛠️ Doing the Work—For Real:Two breakups with Dave were the wake-up call she didn’t know she needed. Shari went all-in on self-growth: Smart Dating Academy, therapy/EMDR, dating with intention, and more! She dove into creativity and travel, realizing that independence is a muscle that needs to be exercised.🔁 When He Came Back (Twice!):Every chapter with Dave came with its own set of lessons. The first time was magical but emotionally stuck. The second was deep but still misaligned. The third? That’s where the transformation happened. For both of them. Dave realized his issues, and was now doing his work too.❤️ What Made the Third Time Different:The universe got involved (seriously—wait until you hear about all the serendipitous sightings), and this time, it was different. With honesty, clarity, and deep commitment to each other’s growth, they reunited—this time forever. No games. No guesswork. Just mutual respect, love, and a whole lot of laughter.🎯 Relationship Lessons You’ll Take Away: Why “the work” matters before and during a relationship What it looks like when a man is truly ready and what he is willing to do How to have the hard conversations without blowing things up The importance of tone, timing, and knowing when to pause Why traditional therapy is powerful—and why your partner should be doing it too Shari’s story is a story for anyone who thinks it might be too late, or too hard, or that they’re too much. Her journey reminds us that healing is nonlinear, love can evolve, and when two people are truly growth-minded, the possibilities are… well, remarkable.Ready to redefine your dating life or need guidance on your journey to love? Visit Smart Dating Academy to learn more about our transformative programs.For more free tips and up to date information, click here to register for the Smart Dating Academy free newsletter! https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contactFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartdatingacademy/

💌 Ghosting, Modern Dating & Advice You Actually Need with Meredith GoldsteinLet’s face it—dating in the digital age is a wild ride. One minute you’re vibing in the DMs, the next… they vanish into thin air. If you’ve ever wished for a wise older sister (with a killer sense of humor) to decode modern love for you, this episode is it.In this honest, hilarious, and totally validating convo, I sit down with Meredith Goldstein—beloved Boston Globe advice columnist and author of the “Love Letters” column and podcast—to unpack the messy, magical, and maddening ways we fall for each other in today’s world.Meredith has been answering love and relationship questions for over 15 years, offering grounded, compassionate advice that makes you feel seen. Her memoir, Can’t Help Myself, and YA novel Chemistry Lessons prove she knows a thing or two about both heartache and humor.In this episode, you’ll hear us dive into:👻 What ghosting really says (and how to stop blaming yourself)📝 The behind-the-scenes of writing a wildly popular advice column💡 Why your questions—no matter how “silly” they seem—deserve to be heard🦠 The emotional complexity of pandemic dating, and what it taught us about connection 🤝 How empathy can be your secret weapon in dating (yes, even when you’re pissed)Whether you're in the dating trenches, trying to figure out where it all went wrong, or just love a good love story, this episode is a balm for your heart—and a laugh-out-loud reminder that you are not alone.🎧 Press play and get ready for some refreshingly real talk about love, loss, and everything in between.Ready to redefine your dating life or need guidance on your journey to love? Visit Smart Dating Academy to learn more about our transformative programs.For more free tips and up to date information, click here to register for the Smart Dating Academy free newsletter! https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contactFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartdatingacademy/