Dates & Mates with Damona Hoffman

Feminine Energy Fatigue & The Myth of Being Chosen

A longtime listener sent in a question that speaks to something many women have wondered: “How does one become a woman who builds up a man and always makes them more confident and stronger? How do I get into my feminine state and energy around a guy on a date?” In this episode, Damona shares what it really means to be “in your feminine,” explores the gender polarity debate, and offers a new way to think about strength, softness, and self-worth in modern relationships. What You’ll Hear In This Episode: How to support your partner without losing yourself Why feminine energy isn’t a fix—it’s often a performance How dating narratives get passed down and when to rewrite them Why your wholeness—not your polarity—attracts the right match What true balance looks like in an equal partnership Resources & Links: Download Damona’s FREE Frustration-Free Dating Guide Got a question? Text or leave a voicemail for Damona at 424-246-6255 Follow @damonahoffman on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Nice Guy 9 & The Materialists Myth

After watching The Materialists, a long-time listener sent in a question that struck a chord: “What’s it going to take for us to kill the curve and stop dating by height, BMI, salary, or things that don’t speak to true character?”  In this episode, Damona unpacks the real-life impact of checklist dating, explores the illusions behind modern matchmaking, and responds with practical advice for anyone who’s ever felt overlooked or friend-zoned. Plus, she shares her “Nice Guy 9” framework—9 simple shifts that help you connect more deeply and date more intentionally. What You’ll Hear In This Episode: How dating checklists quietly sabotage real connection What The Materialists gets right—and dangerously wrong—about dating culture The matchmaking myth and what it really costs (literally and emotionally) Why bad boys always win—and why that isn’t actually what’s happening The Nice Guy Nine: Damona’s go-to dating strategy for deeper connection How to shift your love story by changing the stories you tell yourself Resources & Links: Download Damona’s FREE Date Tracker Got a question? Text or leave a voicemail for Damona at 424-246-6255 Follow @damonahoffman on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook Order F the Fairytale on Amazon, B&N, or from your local bookseller Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leaning Left but Swiping Right: Politics & Dating

This week, Damona takes on a question from longtime listener Vernee, who’s back in the dating scene after a hiatus… and hitting a wall when it comes to finding someone who shares her political and social justice values. Vernee asks: "I'm politically progressive, very values-driven, and living in a purple state. I've tried everything — hints in my profile, direct chats — but nothing’s working. Where are the men who believe what I believe?" If you’ve ever wondered how to communicate what matters without scaring people off — or how to find someone who’s actually aligned — this one’s for you. In this episode: • Why dating apps might feel harder now than they did just a few years ago • How political identity and core values have become deeply intertwined • What to say in your profile (and what to leave out) • Why texting about politics rarely works — and what to try instead • Where to meet values-aligned people beyond the apps • The line between staying open-minded and lowering your standards Submit your question: call or text 424-246-6255 Follow Damona on IG: @damonahoffman Get your free Date Tracker at damonahoffman.com Order F the Fairytale on Amazon, B&N, or from your local bookseller Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Master Class Mini: The 8 Biggest Dating Mistakes

Dating today isn’t always smooth sailing. There’s ghosting, bad first dates, texting traps... and if you’re feeling stuck in the same old dating loops, you’re not alone. In this Dates & Mates Master Class, Damona Hoffman breaks down the eight most common dating mistakes she sees after 15+ years of coaching singles, and shares actionable fixes to help you date smarter, not harder. Whether you’re tired of swiping, struggling to make real connections, or caught in negative self-talk, this episode gives you the clarity and tools to reset your dating approach. What you’ll learn: How to stop ghosting, and stop getting ghosted The danger of “obliga-swiping” and how to date with intention Why texting too much before a date kills chemistry The power of refreshing your dating profile regularly How to overcome negative self-talk and fear of starting over Why having a dating plan beats waiting for a fairy tale If you have questions about your love life, Damona wants to hear from you. DM her on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook @damonahoffman or leave a voicemail at 424-246-6255 for a chance to have your question answered in an upcoming Dear Damona segment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Master Class: First Dates Decoded

Damona Hoffman breaks down one of the most important moments in dating—the first date—and how to make it count. Whether you’re getting back out there or swiping with new optimism, this episode shares how to set yourself up for success so that first date leads to a second. Damona covers everything from whether to Google your date to how long a first date should really last, what to wear, where to go, and how to follow up. She even shares seven fun, low-pressure first date ideas that help build real connection. What you’ll learn: How long a first date should actually last Why dinner dates don’t set you up for success The value of a pre-date phone call (and when to do video) What to wear to make the best first impression How to choose a first date location that creates connection Seven easy, fun, and affordable first date ideas If you have a relationship or communicationquestion you’d like answered on a future episode, send Damona a DM on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok @damonahoffman or leave a voicemail at 424-246-6255. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices