We’re back with another debate team episode, where Ali & Erica debate topics submitted by our listeners! We’ve got four topics up for debate this week. Let us know where you stand! Marathon dates early in the game - yay or nay? Is it okay to be late for a date? Can you date someone you work with? And finally, should you go ring shopping with your partner before getting engaged? In Updates, Erica navigates next steps in her comedy career and opens up about her current focus. Meanwhile, Ali is...
Aug 12, 2024•2 hr 46 min•Ep. 182
Straight from your guest suggestions, we have Maddie Dragsbaek, host of the Emotionally Online podcast, in an amazing episode this week! Maddie has been opening up about her life online since before podcasts were a thing and this week is no exception. Our conversation focuses first on her bisexuality - what exploring that both privately and publicly has looked like, her advice for anyone thinking they might be bi, and her experience taking dating off the apps and into the real world. We then div...
Aug 05, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 181
Erica & Ali have so many updates to share this week that we did an episode full of them (plus a lot of girl talk in between)! Erica is fresh off her third date with Tony Soprano and is on the fence about a fourth (until she accidentally pushes herself off). The gals get into a great discussion about the frustration of someone being “good on paper” and how to know when to cut something off. Meanwhile, Ali celebrates two milestones with Skyline - 3 months of dating that happens to coincide wit...
Jul 29, 2024•59 min•Ep. 180
Psychotherapist Charisse Cooke is back on the pod this week and Erica & Ali could have talked to her for hours! Our conversation focuses on attachment theory, answering listener questions such as how to self soothe an anxious attachment, best strategies for navigating an anxious/avoidant dynamic, and why avoidant attachment gets such a bad rap. In Updates, Ali reflects on project management in a relationship while Erica plans her third date with Tony Soprano. Where to find Charisse: On Insta...
Jul 22, 2024•2 hr 30 min•Ep. 179
We hear about cheating a lot, but it’s rarely from the perspective of the person who does the cheating. This week, standup comedian Chloe Radcliffe opens up about her pattern of cheating (which she wrote a solo show about!). We dive into her thoughts on the origins of cheating, what she’s learned from her pattern and is applying in her new relationship, and so much more culminating in a round of rapid-fire Debate Team! In Updates, Erica has an adorable second date with Tony where they get deeper...
Jul 15, 2024•2 hr 30 min•Ep. 178
We had so much fun talking about our past beliefs the other week that we’re bringing it back for a series including your submissions! We discuss submissions such as “your person will complete you,” “trying hard isn’t cool,” and “you should share many common hobbies with your partner.” Let us know if you like this series and submit more of your past beliefs for future episodes! But first, Erica has an exciting first date with (new nickname alert) Tony Soprano and Ali has a heck of weekend with ol...
Jul 08, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 177
Ali & Erica are joined this week by Kelly, a listener who wrote in to share her story about dating with depression & anxiety. Kelly shares her journey towards getting diagnosed, how depression impacted her dating, & what growing in her first serious relationship has been like. It’s a powerful, relatable story that we can’t wait to share. But first, Erica has a long-awaited update on Comic Con while Ali reflects on more Skyline learnings. Timestamps: Kelly joins us at around minute 35...
Jul 01, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 176
We asked for your submissions about dating philosophies or “rules” you used to believe, but don’t anymore, and WOW did you deliver! So much so that we’ll be continuing this topic in future episodes. We’re starting this week with things that Ali & Erica used to believe, but don’t anymore, such as: when you know you know, men should ask women out for the second date, don’t save phone numbers until you’re official, and more. In Updates, Erica is back from her travels and has learned something v...
Jun 24, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 175
We’re debuting a new segment on the pod this week…Debate Team! Ali & Erica will each be assigned a side of a debate and debate each other. This week, we’re starting with “should you live together before getting engaged?” and “can you be friends with an ex?” It gets especially fun when we have to argue for the side we don’t actually agree with! But first, it’s a BIG week of updates on the pod. Ali recaps her long-awaited reunion with Skyline - did she follow through on her hard commit to DTR?...
Jun 17, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 174
Erica & Ali welcome feminist dating coach and debut author Lily Womble to the pod this week! We chat about bringing more joy into your dating life, how to narrow down your search to what Lily calls essences-based preferences, and how to reframe your mindset when you feel like you’re “too much.” Order Lily’s book, Thank You More Please, out June 11th! In Updates, we have a special Patreon teaser that Ali recorded with Talia Koren (@ Dating.intentionally) while Erica was on vacation. You’ll he...
Jun 10, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 173
It’s a slightly new Hot Topics format, with both listener questions and a couple AITA situations. First, Ali & Erica debate if a man is the a-hole for not helping his wife carry things in from the car and whether a women is the a-hole for not giving up her comfy coffee shop chair. Then, we answer two listener questions: one listener who is concerned about her date’s grooming choices and one who is worried about potential dating prospects in her smaller city. In Updates, a psychic reading pro...
Jun 03, 2024•58 min•Ep. 172
We asked for feedback and you delivered!! This week, Ali & Erica are going through the biggest takeaways and themes from our podcast survey and previewing what’s to come for the future of the pod. We dig deep on our own opportunities for growth, taking into account both what the listeners shared as well as our own reflections. It’s a vulnerable conversation that we can’t wait for you to hear! In Updates, Ali looks forward to Skyline’s (early) return and Erica officially declares the opening ...
May 27, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 171
Back by popular demand, Therapy Jeff (aka Jeff Guenther, LPC) is on the pod answering your burning questions. We dive into topics such as: what does it mean if I attract emotionally available people? How to approach pre-marital counseling? What does it mean to “settle” and how do I know if I am? As always, Jeff’s advice is on point with some laughs along the way. But first, Erica’s car repair flirtation continues (on the phone!!) and Ali has an excellent third date with Skyline before he leaves ...
May 20, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 170
Erica & Ali are getting deep this week, going through all sorts of questions you can use to connect on first dates, in early dating, or even when already in a relationship. We’re answering our favorite ones plus listing a few you probably shouldn’t ask. Let’s start having some more interesting conversations! In Updates, Erica meets a new man (or is it an automated text system?) and Ali makes a decision about one of her second dates this week. Timestamps: Topic talk begins at around minute 39...
May 13, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 169
Erica & Ali are diving into the apps with dating coach & app expert Erika Ettin of @alittlenudge. We talk about whether it really matters what opener you send (hint: YES), how to deal with dating app burnout, and why Erika recommends dating NATO (not attached to outcome). But first, Erica is back from a rejuvenating Bachelorette weekend while Ali had quite the week of first dates (with 2 new nicknames!). Where to find Erika: On Instagram @alittlenudge , on TikTok @alittlenudge , at www.a...
May 06, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 168
Erica & Ali are bouncing around in a roundup episode this week, chatting about recent dating-related news items. First, we have some updates from last week’s ep! Then, we dive into the risks of buying a house with someone you’re not married to (Tom & Ariana, anyone?) and discuss why dating apps have been on a downswing. Erica has a “friendly” update from her recent speed dating event, while Ali is setting up two first dates for this week. Timestamps: Topic talk begins at around minute 38...
Apr 29, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 167
Ali & Erica are back for another episode about friendship, featuring incredible friendship coach, Danielle Bayard Jackson! Danielle’s upcoming book, Fighting for Our Friendships, is all about the science behind women’s relationships and she brings us SO much knowledge: from deepening your bond with an acquaintance, to the influence our friends have on our romantic relationships, to how we should romance our friends, too. In Updates, Ali sees Montana Boy at an event while Erica attends a spee...
Apr 22, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 166
Ali & Erica have a first date guide for you this week! We’re breaking down everything you need to know: getting from dating app convo to date, pre-date texting guidelines, first date arrival logistics, conversation tips to avoid and awkwardness, and so much more. In Updates, Erica finds out why people call LA “Flake City” as she prepares for multiple first dates. Meanwhile, Ali is back from Costa Rica and reflects on her communication with Mr. Worldwide. Timestamps: Topic talk begins at arou...
Apr 15, 2024•2 hr 31 min•Ep. 165
Have you ever gotten the ick from a match or a date? Ali & Erica have rounded up all sorts of icks from the listeners and we’re debating them on this week’s episode. It’s a fun and silly one this week! In Updates, Ali goes on a thoughtful fourth date with Mr. Worldwide. Meanwhile, Erica is excited to be back in LA for a while, making swiping easier. And, she is still taking submissions to be setup with her DC friends at fmhsetups@gmail.com . Timestamps: Topic talk begins at around minute 23....
Apr 08, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 164
Have you ever considered picking up and moving to a new city? Julia Mazur, host of the Pretty Much Done podcast, did just that. Having spent her whole life in Los Angeles, she moved to Austin after a break up and has never been happier. And, in addition, to her move, we get into a great discussion about hyper-independence and how it can affect relationships. It’s a conversation you don’t want to miss! In Updates, Ali & Erica are fresh off their D.C. show and Erica has some very exciting news...
Apr 01, 2024•2 hr 30 min•Ep. 163
Ali & Erica are back with questions submitted by you, the listeners! We start with the age-old question: should you give a ghost a second chance? Then, a listener has a crush at work - how can she get this man on a date? Or should she give up? And lastly, we advise a listener who is about to visit a long-distance situationship. But first, Ali has quite the day of updates starting with a Montana Boy flirtation and ending with a second date with Mr. Worldwide. Erica shares some amazing career ...
Mar 25, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 162
Your calls have been answered…Matchmaker Maria is back on the pod!! We’re answering all sorts of listener questions, Ask A Matchmaker style. For example: how do you balance a hoe phase with dating intentionally? What should you learn about someone before sleeping with them? And so much more… In Updates, Ali has an awesome first date with Mr. Worldwide (no, not that one) while Erica has a good * start * of a first date with The Heartbreaker. Where to find Maria: On Instagram @matchmakermaria , on...
Mar 18, 2024•2 hr 35 min•Ep. 161
How do people meet IRL these days?! Are there things we can be doing, places we can going, openers we can be using to make it all feel easier? This week, Ali & Erica are breaking down their best tips on meeting people “in the wild” plus sharing some of yours. We cover everything from body language when you’re out alone to opening lines for a cute stranger to going in for the number exchange. But first, Erica goes on a date that doesn’t even deserve a nickname (Mr. Distracted, perhaps?) and A...
Mar 11, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 160
Ali & Erica are welcoming an advice column legend to the pod this week…it’s Hello Hayes, answering all your questions about friendships! We start by diving into her Six Besties Theory and then get to your questions - ranging from navigating a friendship breakup to feeling like the odd one out in your friend group. In Updates, the girls report back on their first manifesting experiment and Ali flexes her wingman skills at the Chaotic Singles Party. Where to find Hayes: On Instagram @afhayes ,...
Mar 04, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 159
Dating apps getting sued? Financial columnist scammed out of $50k? Ali & Erica reading a book about manifesting? We’re rounding up the week’s most unbelievable stories on this week’s episode. Tune in for our (non-lawyer) verdicts on the dating app case, our advice for future scam attempts, and the kickoff to the next few weeks of attempting to manifest using the book E-Squared by Pam Grout. In Updates, Erica has a second date with Lemon Drop (official nickname locked in), but isn’t sure she ...
Feb 26, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 158
Ali & Erica are answering your questions this week! First, a listener worries she’s slipping into a FWB situation. Next, we give advice for letting someone know you’re newly single (hint: do not use the company Slack). Next, a listener wonders why her first dates keep getting “friends only” vibes from her - is she doing something wrong? And lastly, a listener in a long distance relationship struggles to bring up something she found in her boyfriend’s apartment. In Updates, Erica goes on a fi...
Feb 19, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 157
Ali & Erica are continuing our fertility series with a third installment this week, welcoming Jordana Abraham back to the pod. In this deeply vulnerable episode, Jordana opens up about her fertility journey navigating pregnancy loss and the IVF process. We discuss the emotional toll this has taken and how she’s handled each step along the way. In Updates, Ali receives an unsolicited exit interview from a prior date and Erica has an update on her disappointing colleague. Where to find Jordana...
Feb 12, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 156
Ali & Erica are starting a long-awaited series, race and dating, and we kick things off as Erica interviews Ali about her experiences as a multiracial woman. Ali relates what it was like growing up in mostly-white spaces, how that impacted her world (and self) view, and ultimately her dating life. We look forward to more episodes in the future digging into various aspects of this vast topic! In Updates, Erica is disappointed (understatement of the year) by a new acquaintance and Ali has quit...
Feb 05, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 155
Ali & Erica welcome an OG of dating advice to the pod this week - Damona Hoffman, author of the new book “F The Fairytale” and host of the Dates & Mates podcast. We get into topics such as Damona’s best tips for dating mindset, how the online dating landscape has changed in her 15 years of coaching, and how race has played a role in her own dating life (and Ali weighs in too!). In Updates, Erica has a date that was set up by a listener - but will the long distance be too much? Meanwhile,...
Jan 29, 2024•2 hr 33 min•Ep. 154
Ali & Erica are joined by Zach, a 30-something man whose friends are managing his Hinge profile. We talk about how (and why) this arrangement came to be plus what he’s learned from having someone else set up his dates. And, has it been a success? Listen and find out! But first, Erica and Ali continue to update on outcomes from Dating App Sunday. In particular, Ali has a wild Saturday with 2 first dates plus a singles mixer. Want to be set up with Zach? Email fmhsetups@gmail.com with a screen...
Jan 22, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 153
