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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 [email protected]. Timestamps: Topic talk begins at around minute...

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...

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...

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...

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?)...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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?...

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 [email protected] with a...

Should firstborns always date lastborns? Are lastborn-lastborn relationships doomed? Or does it even matter? We’re finding out in this week’s episode, using research from around the web plus listener experiences (and our own!). Plus, a listener calls in with a PSA about gift card scams. In Updates, Ali & Erica both swung for the fences on Dating App Sunday and parse through the results. One of us already has a first date scheduled that we’ll be debriefing live at our show in NYC on...

Ali & Erica are answering your questions in a Hot Topics episode this week! First, a listener has a crush on a friend of a friend…does he like her back? Second, a listener wonders how to know if she’s experiencing the slow burn or just a lack of attraction. Lastly, a listener runs into an ex while on a date. Should she reach out? In Updates, Erica goes on a date (maybe??) and has a prediction for the future. We chat about our new years’ resolutions and debate a rising trend: AI...

Ali & Erica are reviewing the first dating book Ali ever read (15 years ago!!) this week - Have Him At Hello by Rachel Greenwald. The author interviewed 1,000 men about why they didn’t want second dates and we’re debating how her findings apply to modern dating. Ali & Erica both identify (mostly) with The Boss Lady…how about you? In Updates, Ali & Erica both receive “Merry Christmas” texts from men past and Ali gets the ick on Hinge. Timestamps: Topic talk begins at around...

What is masculinity, anyway? How can you identify someone with healthy masculinity? How about someone who wants to equitably divide the mental load of a relationship? Rachel Sievers, M.S. - retired psychotherapist and host of The Answer To Everything Podcast - is here to help. In Updates, Erica gets set up from an unexpected place and Ali goes on a surprise first date. We also debate a potential scam that Ali discovered at a singles mixer! Where to find Rachel: On Instagram...