Red flags. We’ve all got them. How can we recognize our own red flags and use that information to grow? Why do we find ourselves drawn to people with the same red flags over and over? And why do we ignore red flags even when we know they’re there? Brianna McCabe, professor and author (The Red Flags I’ve (Repeatedly) Ignored: Love, Lust + Lessons), joins Jeff this week to help answer all of these questions. Plus, she and Jeff break down some common red flags on reality TV and play a round of...

Can a marriage heal after infidelity? Jimmy Knowles believes it can. After cheating on his wife years ago, he put in the work to rebuild their relationship and become the husband he knew she deserved. Now, Jimmy shares his journey and insights with others. Today, he joins Jeff to discuss navigating conflict in relationships. They cover the best ways to address issues, how to spot conflict green flags in a new partner, and whether or not it’s truly possible to agree to disagree. Plus, they...

Ever wondered if Mister Fantastic is that stretchy everywhere? Or if everything Spider-man produces is radioactive? Jeff dives into the world of superhero intimacy with Diana McCallum, author of Sex Lives of Superheroes. Diana explores these scenarios through the lens of science, comic lore, and humor, all while offering a unique perspective on the intersection of psychology and superhero culture. Tune in as we discuss the pros and cons of superpowered sex and the complexities of intimacy in...

Are we missing out on valuable experiences by sticking to conventional monogamy? What’s the difference between non-monogamy as a relationship style and non-monogamy as an orientation? How do you know if non-monogamy is right for you? This week, Jeff sits down with his longtime friend, polyamory coach and therapist Heidi Savell, to tackle these questions and more–from first steps, to common pitfalls, and navigating jealousy and emotional regulation. Whether you’re poly-curious or already on...

Is social media a double-edged sword for mental health? In this episode, Jeff chats with “no BS” therapist Jacquelyn Tenaglia, LMHC about the fine line between helpful and harmful online content. They discuss the impact of social media on mental health, the rise of “therapy speak,” and “concept creep,” and the ethics of AI in therapy. Listen to Jeff's podcast Problem Solved here: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com/ Follow Jacquelyn on Instagram (@no.bs.therapist) and X (@TweetATherapist) Learn...

Ever wondered how people-pleasing affects your sex life? Jeff and his guest, author and certified coach, Hailey Magee, break it down in this week's episode. They talk about setting boundaries, the impact of gender expectations on people-pleasers in the bedroom, and the journey to self-advocacy. Plus, Hailey shares some strategies for folks who are looking to break out of their people-pleasing patterns. Listen to Jeff's podcast Problem Solved here: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com/ Learn more...

Writer, performer, and creator Tess Gattuso is diving into Jeff’s Twenty Questions. You know the drill; it’s twenty questions with Jeff, so we’re covering everything from perfect sandwiches, to crushes on cartoon horses, and all of the relationship stuff–communication, showing affection, setting boundaries–in between. But more importantly, perfect sandwiches and crushes on cartoon horses.  Listen to Jeff's podcast Problem Solved here: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com/ Follow Tess on...

What can digital dating apps teach us about our broader culture? This week, Jeff talks with Treena Orchard, an author, anthropologist, and proud cat mother about exactly that. Treena discusses her memoir, Sticky, Sexy, Sad, which delves into her deep dive into digital dating. With a background in anthropology and a focus on sexuality and culture, Treena offers a unique perspective on the world of online dating. Join Jeff and Treena as they discuss everything from the evolution of dating apps...

This week, Jeff chats with the brilliant Dr. M the Science Femme, who holds a PhD in neuroscience. They talk about her unique approach to teaching science while challenging societal norms by doing it in lingerie, focusing on increasing respect and credibility for women. They also dive deep into her personal experience with polyamory, discussing the dynamics of her polycule, addressing common misconceptions, and celebrating the joys of three-way kisses and poly euphoria.  Listen to Jeff's...

Matthew Caws is a singer and songwriter who leads the best band in the world, Nada Surf. He joins Jeff this week to talk about love, songs, and writing love songs. Jeff gets to ask him a million questions about his process, point of view, inspirations, how he feels about his earlier music, what it feels like to put yourself into your songs, and whether or not every lyric has to mean something. It’s the best episode. Listen to Jeff's podcast Problem Solved here:...

This week, Jeff is joined by one half of the Double Teamed podcast, Niki, to convince everyone listening that you should all be non-monogamous. Okay, not really, but they do bust a whole bunch of negative non-monogamy myths. They also share what they love about non-monogamy, weigh in on some of the more common challenges, and offer some tools and guidance for folks who think they might be interested in trying non-monogamy on for themselves. Listen to Jeff's podcast Problem Solved here:...

This week, Jeff is joined by Leann Borneman, LCSW, CST. Leann is a licensed psychotherapist, sexologist, and certified sex therapist who specializes in ADHD and sexuality. She talks with Jeff this week about how women with ADHD can feel empowered when it comes to sex, intimacy and their relationships.Listen to Jeff's podcast Problem Solved here: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com/Follow Leann on Instagram: @bornemanpsychotherapyLearn more about working with or learning from Leann:...

This week on Big Dating Energy, Brett and Tiffany from Love is Blind Season 4 bring their A-game to 15 of Jeff’s most unhinged questions. From secret social experiments to tricky wishes, Brett and Tiff laugh their way through Jeff’s wildest hypotheticals, showing off their playful banter and strong connection. But do any of Jeff’s questions throw these two out of sync? Listen to find out!  Listen to Jeff's podcast Problem Solved here: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com/ Keep up with the Browns:...

This week is all about firsts! Ely Kreimendahl, Dan Savage and Zachary Zane share their best first time stories. Jeff shares a few firsts of his own, too. From first kisses, to first sex parties, there are so many memorable first times in this one. Listen to Jeff's podcast Problem Solved here: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com/ Order your copy of Big Dating Energy Available now!Follow Ely Kreimendahl on Instagram: @elykreimendahlSubscribe to Ely’s SubstackRead Dan Savage's column, listen to...

Libby Supan is a licensed therapist and certified intuitive eating coach who specializes in food and body issues, working to help women break the cycle of restrictive eating. She talks with Jeff this week about her personal journey as someone with an eating disorder and how she has used her lived experience to help others find food and body image freedom.  Listen to Jeff's podcast Problem Solved here: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com/ Order your copy of Big Dating Energy Available now! Learn...

This week on Big Dating Energy, Jeff talks with Lindy Elloway, who you might remember from that reality TV show where she tied the knot with a total stranger and then had the world peeping into every moment of their marriage. Lindy spills the beans with Jeff about how things on screen compared to real life, the behind-the-scenes influence of producers on their day-to-day, and whether the whole experience has changed her outlook on love and marriage now. Get your tickets for Big Dating...

This week, you’re in for a treat! Jeff’s reading the first chapter of his new book, this podcast’s namesake, Big Dating Energy. Listen along as Jeff reads from the book and provides some behind-the-scenes commentary. And then head to the link below to pre-order your copy. It comes out so soon! Listen to Jeff's podcast Problem Solved here: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com/ Pre-order your copy of Big Dating Energy: How to Create Lasting Love by Tapping Into Your Authentic Self - out July 9th,...

Alli Goldberg is a comedian and the creator and host of the live dating show, Love Isn’t Blind. She joins Jeff this week to talk about making live love connections, going through mens’ phones, red flags, green flags, and why she might believe in soulmates. Listen to Jeff's podcast Problem Solved here: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com/ Subscribe to Jeff’s Patreon: https://patreon.com/therapyjeff Pre-order your copy of Big Dating Energy Keep up with all things Alli Goldberg:...

Todd Baratz is a certified sex therapist, a licensed psychotherapist, and author whose book How to Love Someone Without Losing Your Mind is out now! He joins Jeff this week to talk about what makes modern love so messy, whether or not “right person, wrong time” is really thing, and if the honeymoon period can last forever. Plus, Jeff puts him through a round of “Is This a Red Flag?” Listen to Jeff's podcast Problem Solved here: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com/ Subscribe to Jeff’s Patreon:...

Olivia de Recat is an author and illustrator. Her cartoons have been featured in The New Yorker since 2017. Her book, Drawn Together: Illustrated True Love Stories was published in 2022. She joins Jeff this week to talk about the importance of humor in relationships. They talk rescue attempts, being the funny one in your relationship, and more. Listen to Jeff's podcast Problem Solved here: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com/ Subscribe to Jeff’s Patreon:...

Hannah Jones is a Denver-based comedian and one of Jeff’s favorite funny people on TikTok. She co-hosts the podcast Help! with Hannah Jones and Calvin Reid, and she’s one of the few brave souls to sit down and answer Jeff’s twenty questions. Hannah shares the story of her tortilla-scented first day on earth, why dating while living in your car is very different for women, some of her hottest relationship takes, and a whole lot more (like seventeen more. At least.)  Listen to Jeff's podcast...

Lily Womble is an intersectional feminist dating coach, the founder of Date Brazen, and host of the Date Brazen podcast. She joins Jeff this week to share her journey from​​ being a top matchmaker to empowering clients to build their own confident and joyful dating life. She and Jeff discuss the misery that is the dating app landscape, the importance of asking for what you want in a relationship, how the patriarchy has really screwed up the dating scene for all of us, and why Lily is...

Ely Kreimendahl is a writer, comedian, and therapist. She’s also the host of the Shame Spiral podcast and just an absolute delight. She joins Jeff for a conversation on shame, why it’s so painful to experience, why we’re afraid to talk about it, and why confronting our shame can be so empowering.  Listen to Jeff's podcast Problem Solved here: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com/ Follow Ely Kreimendahl on Instagram: @elykreimendahl Subscribe to Ely’s Substack If you’re near Brooklyn, check out...

This week on Big Dating Energy, Jeff welcomes Zachary Zane to the podcast. Zachary wears many hats–columnist, author, speaker, and sex expert. His book Boyslut: A Memoir and Manifesto offers a vulnerable and informative exploration of sexuality, societal norms, and serves as a call to everyone let go of sexual shame. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of Boyslut Zine. With columns in Men’s Health and Cosmopolitan, Zachary encourages readers to understand and embrace who they really...