
Dates & Mates with Damona Hoffman
Dates and Mates Media·627 episodes·Every few months
Quick Facts
From the show
2022 BPA Best Podcast winner. Damona Hoffman is Cosmo's #1 love podcast — dating, relationships, and expert advice across 20+ episodes.
Episodes
Latest Episode
September 2, 2026 · 16m
In this special minisode, Damona breaks down the "tech trap" and why the tools that were supposed to connect us (dating apps, social media, and now AI) are quietly training us to stop trusting our own judgment. After a summer away from the weekly show, she's back with a wake-up call: the babysitter has left the building, and it's on us to manage our own relationship with technology. This minisode includes an overview of what social scientists are calling “algorithmic entrapment” and 3 simple questions that can help you escape the cycle. What You'll Hear In This Episode: Why the "texting trap" Damona coined a decade ago has grown into something much bigger What a recent multibillion dollar settlement against Meta reveals about how these platforms are built The one word Damona wants us to bring into our relationship with tech instead of fear Why having access to dating apps and social media means nothing without personal accountability The danger of asking AI to tell you what your partner "really meant" or what you should do next Damona's three questions to ask yourself before you swipe, scroll, or respond What's next for the show and how you can help shape it Resources & Links: Take the two-minute survey at and let us know how Damona can continue to support you! Now taking calls and questions for the Dear Damona social media series: 424-246-6255. Follow @DamonaHoffman on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook and submit questions via DM or voice memo anytime. Interested in booking Damona to speak to your group or company? Find out more at
More Episodes
May 12, 2026 · 15m
In this minisode, Damona breaks down what manifestation actually is and why most of us have been doing it wrong. After leading her Love Lab residency at Civana Wellness Resort, she came away with one very clear truth: most of us are already on the edge of a major shift. What's missing isn't the dream. It's the plan to get there.What You'll Hear In This Episode:Why manifestation isn’t really magic, and what it actually requires from youThe samskara pattern that keeps you circling the same frustrations in love, work, and lifeThe moment Damona walked away from her dream job without a plan, and what happened nextThe 51% rule of manifestationThe one simple question from Damona’s life coach that changed everythingWhat a Breakthrough Boost is and who it’s designed forResources & Links:Learn more about working with Damona one-on-one at damonahoffman.com/breakthroughGet F the Fairytale at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or wherever you get your booksJoin Damona in Arizona for her Love Lab workshops at Civana at DamonaHoffman.com/lovelabMentioned in this episode:Book Your Breakthrough Boost todayDamonaHoffman.com/breakthrough
Mar 3, 2026 · 35m
In this special masterclass finale, Damona leads you through Fairy Tale Therapy, a guided experience to help you identify the unconscious dating myths quietly running your dating life, define the relationship pillars that will hold up your real love story, and step into your future through a powerful guided visualization. What You'll Hear In This Episode: How to identify the dating myth that's been quietly running your love life The three questions that reveal exactly what you believe about love and where that belief came from How to tell when a belief is protecting you versus holding you back The difference between preferences and pillars and why your real non-negotiables go deeper A guided visualization to invite in new love Resources & Links: Download your free episode companion worksheet and take the next steps at damonahoffman.com/next Get F the Fairytale at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or wherever you get your books Call or text your question to: 424-246-6255. Join Damona in Arizona in her Love Lab workshops at Civana at DamonaHoffman.com/lovelab Follow @DamonaHoffman on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook and submit questions or inquire about Damona’s keynotes or workshops Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode:Book Your Breakthrough Boost todayDamonaHoffman.com/breakthrough
Feb 24, 2026 · 29m
In this Dear Damona episode, we tackle what to do when someone keeps canceling last minute before you've even had a first date, and how to tell the difference between giving someone a fair chance and letting them waste your time. This week, a listener named Jenna shares: "I matched with a guy on a dating app and followed your advice. After a week of messaging, I asked him for a brief phone call. He was so fun to talk to, and we seemed aligned. We agreed to meet for drinks after work. The day of the date came, and at lunchtime he texted and apologized that a work emergency came up and he had to cancel. He asked to reschedule and we found a day the following week, and he canceled again with a similar work situation." What You'll Hear In This Episode: Why that gut feeling of resistance before rescheduling is actually your bodily wisdom talking The real difference between the benefit of the doubt and gullibility The must-do screening steps that reduce ghosting and flakiness What two last-minute cancels actually reveal about someone's priorities The hidden cost of rescheduling for someone who keeps flaking Resources & Links: Unlock the secret to successful dating with our Date Tracker at Damonahoffman.com/datetracker Call or text your question to: 424-246-6255. Follow @DamonaHoffman on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook and submit questions via DM or voice memo anytime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode:Book Your Breakthrough Boost todayDamonaHoffman.com/breakthrough
Feb 17, 2026 · 25m
In this Dear Damona episode, we discuss how to navigate multiple long-distance connections, when to book that first in-person meeting, and how to handle the money talk before you pack your bag. If you've matched with someone across the country (or the ocean) and you're not sure what to do next, this is your guide! This week, a listener named Maryanne shares: "I'm 71 and looking for a long-term partner. I went on two niche sites and matched with a few good options, but they all live elsewhere. One lives in Hawaii and he invited me over for a week. The other guy lives in LA and both seem serious about me. There is even a guy in Mexico who has come on the scene just after the other two. What's the best way to meet out of town dates? How do I know who pays for what? When do I tell them I am also meeting other men?" What You'll Hear In This Episode: Why expanding your dating pool across time zones can actually work in your favor The one-day-to-one-week rule every long distance dater needs to know How to build real connection before you ever book a flight The eight-week milestone that changes everything Why staying at his place for a first meeting is a hard no (and what to do instead) How to handle the money conversation without making it awkward When you actually need to tell someone you're seeing other people Resources and Links: Unlock the secret to successful dating with our Date Tracker at Damonahoffman.com/datetracker Call or text your question to: 424-246-6255. Follow @DamonaHoffman on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook and submit questions via DM or voice memo anytime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 10, 2026 · 37m
In this special Valentine's Day episode, Damona hears insights from John Kim (The Angry Therapist), Vedic astrologer Carol Allen, Authors of Getting it Right This Time Orna & Matthew Walters, feminist dating coach Lily Womble, and Seth Hoffman (her husband) about what they got wrong about love and what they got right. She asks each of them two questions: What's the biggest relationship myth you once believed that turned out to be untrue? And what's the one pillar that actually keeps your relationship standing today? What You'll Hear In This Episode: Why doing "the work" on yourself isn't a one-time fix that makes love easy Why “the spark” fizzles out How a fixed mindset keeps you stuck The one way out of the friend zone How much is too much to share on a date The secret quality that couples need to thrive The feeling of true connection vs. chemistry The #1 Pillar in Damona’s relationship Guest Links: John Kim (The Angry Therapist): theangrytherapist.com Carol Allen: loveisinthestars.com Orna & Matthew Walters: loveonpurpose.com / Book: Getting It Right This Time Lily Womble: datebrazen.com / Book: Thank You More Please Resources and Links: Pick up F The Fairytale: Rewrite the Dating Myths and Live Your Love Story on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local bookseller. Find links at fthefairytalebook.com Join Damona LIVE at Civana Wellness Resort in Carefree, Arizona on Feb. 14-15 or April 15-17th (DamonaHoffman.com/lovelab) to reserve your room and your space in Damona’s workshops Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode:Book Your Breakthrough Boost todayDamonaHoffman.com/breakthrough
Feb 3, 2026 · 29m
In this Dear Damona episode, we cover revenge reporting, why dating app systems meant to protect us sometimes get weaponized, and how to handle rejection with grace while protecting yourself when things go sideways. This week, a listener named Lisa shares: "I just didn't think this was gonna be good. So I wrote him a respectful message. He responded respectfully. And within an hour I get an email from match.com that my account had been canceled due to some misbehavior. I know in my gut that guy was vindictive and turned me in. Is this a thing?" What You'll Hear In This Episode: Why trusting your intuition early saves you time and emotional energy later The right way to exit a match without overexplaining or giving someone ammunition What revenge reporting is and who it disproportionately hurts How dating app moderation works and why they block first, ask questions later What to do if you get banned from a dating app and how to appeal Resources and Links: Unlock the secret to successful dating with our Date Tracker at damonahoffman.com/datetracker. Join Damona for in person workshops at Civana Wellness resort on February 14th and 15th and April 15-17th! Click HERE Enter code: VWGDAMONA Call or text your question to: 424-246-6255. Follow @DamonaHoffman on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook and submit questions via DM or voice memo anytime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode:Book Your Breakthrough Boost todayDamonaHoffman.com/breakthrough
Jan 27, 2026 · 30m
In this Dear Damona epsiode, we address what happens when you are late to the dating game, why dating is a skill you build through practice, and how to protect yourself without closing off to opportunity. If you're new to dating or want to approach it with a beginner's mind, this episode is a must-listen This week, a listener named Butterfly shares: "I am now in my late twenties and struggling to find a mate. I had strict parents and wasn't allowed to date in high school or my early twenties. I never tried with relationships, and now that I'm getting older, I'm in a place where I'd like a relationship, but I can never find the first person. I feel like the men I've tried to date have taken advantage of my naivety and wasted my time with no real intentions. I don't know how to build a genuine bond with someone and don't know what to look for and what to avoid. Can you help?" What You'll Hear In This Episode: Why dating is a skill you build through practice, not something you're supposed to magically know The real reason people seem to "waste your time" Green flags to look for that signal someone is worthy of your trust and attentionThe "name and narrate" strategy How to approach dating with a beginner's mind at any stage of life Resources and Links: Unlock the secret to successful dating with our Date Tracker at damonahoffman.com/datetracker. Call or text your question to: 424-246-6255. Follow @DamonaHoffman on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook and submit questions via DM or voice memo anytime. Join us IN PERSON at Civana Resort - book your space for February 14-15 now: https://be.synxis.com/?Hotel=7841&Chain=25041&promo=VWGDAMONA and enter code: VWGDAMONALearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode:Book Your Breakthrough Boost todayDamonaHoffman.com/breakthrough
Jan 20, 2026 · 42m
Sabrina Zohar, dating expert and host of the Sabrina Zohar Show, discusses navigating breakups without self-blame, understanding dating anxiety, and finally breaking the patterns that keep you stuck. If you’re starting 2026 single or considering breaking off a relationship, this episode is a must-listen What You'll Hear In This Episode: Why January is officially "breakup month" and how the holidays reveal what we've been avoiding all year The 5-minute compassion practice that helped Sabrina move through major loss and heartbreak How texting has turned dating into a dopamine slot machine and how to break the vicious cycle The difference between hurting someone's feelings, harming them, and helping them How a tickingbiological clock can lead to different dating choices How to transform a breakup into a learning opportunity Sabrina's plea to stop weaponizing attachment styles and treating your partner like a project Resources and Links Follow Sabrina Zohar on Instagram @SabrinaZohar and listen to The Sabrina Zohar Show wherever you get your podcasts. Unlock the Secret to Successful Dating with our Date Tracker at damonahoffman.com/datetracker Call or text your question to: 424-246-6255 Follow @DamonaHoffman on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook and submit questions via DM or voice memo anytime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode:Book Your Breakthrough Boost todayDamonaHoffman.com/breakthrough
Jan 13, 2026 · 35m
Damona is joined by her good friend Danny Santos, shaman, healer, astrologer, and tarot reader, to look at the astrology of 2026 and how it’s setting the stage for love this year. What You'll Hear In This Episode Key transits and cosmic shifts to watch out for in the year ahead Which houses in your birth chart actually matter for compatibility, and why your moon sign may reveal more than your sun sign Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's astrological compatibility breakdown, plus celebrity couples Danny is watching in 2026 The Year of the Horse energy: how to use the adventurous energy of the year to propel you into love Resources and Links Book a session with Danny Santos at santoscrystalvisions.com and use code DATES for 10% off your first session Follow Danny on Instagram @SantosCrystalVisions Unlock the Secret to Successful Dating with our Date Tracker at damonahoffman.com/datetracker Call or text your question to: 424-246-6255 Follow @DamonaHoffman on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, and submit questions via DM or voice memo anytime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode:Book Your Breakthrough Boost todayDamonaHoffman.com/breakthrough