Flirtations! with Benjamin, the Flirt Coach

105. Dating Advice I Wish I Knew with the Almost 30 Podcast

Today on Flirtations, we welcome Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik, the powerhouse due behind the Almost 30 podcast, with over 100M downloads around the world, and authors of the new book Almost 30:  A Definitive Guide to a Life You Love for the Next Decade and Beyond, who are here to have a conversation with us today about dating advice I wish I knew!
We open with the interplay between change and fear, and how can we navigate the space of change and life's experiences without holding ourselves back? Or self sabotaging?
We also explore hyperindividualism and codependency in dating and relationships, how each manifests and what we can do if we fall into these dynamics?
But that’s not all, we’re going to talk about the duality of loneliness and healing, self-love and how to find the right balance between just enough and feeling like it’s never enough, and, if you’re dating the mens, but kind of can’t stand them either, we’ll hear how to begin reframing relationships with men.
Alright Flirties, if you’re read for a heartfelt and transformative episode, this one is for you!
Now let’s meet Krista and Lindsey!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Flirtations on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode to spread BFE - big flirt energy- all over the world!
Enjoying the show and want to support my work? Buy the Flirt Coach a coffee!
About our guests:  Lindsey Simcik and Krista Williams, founders and co-hosts of the popular “Almost 30” podcast, are women’s empowerment leaders and best friends releasing their debut book “Almost 30: A Definitive Guide to a Life You Love for the Next Decade and Beyond,” on June 3, 2025. Part memoir, part manual, fans are eagerly awaiting the book as their ultimate guide to navigating life’s transitions.
In the “Almost 30” book, Lindsey and Krista act as cosmic big sisters, providing encouragement, wisdom, and practical tools to help readers embrace change and thrive and they move into a new chapter of life. Through candid stories of their own experiences, as well as expert insight from podcast guests like Jay Shetty, Gabby Bernstein, and Glennon Doyle, Lindsey and Krista lay out a roadmap for navigating young adulthood, from relationships to spirituality, career to body image, and more.  
Packed with thought-provoking exercises, meditation and journaling prompts, and sage advice, this book is a must-have companion for anyone standing at the edge of change. Whether you’re figuring out who you are or where you’re going next, “Almost 30” is here to guide you through life’s transitions and remind us that we’re all almost… something.
The “Almost 30” podcast is a top wellness, spirituality, and self-development podcast. Since the show’s inception, Lindsey and Krista have amassed over 100M downloads, completed a 13-city tour, hosted in-person retreats and online workshops, and built an online membership community platform.
Lindsey Simcik is a content creator, author, and co-host of the successful “Almost 30” podcast. Recently having become a first-time mother, Lindsey is a mainstay lifestyle creator for moms and anyone seeking to live a natural, holistic life.
Krista Williams is a content creator, author, and co-host of the successful “Almost 30” podcast. Known for her style and vibrancy, followers flock to Krista for dating, travel and self-care inspiration.
You can learn more and purchase a copy of the "Almost 30" book wherever books are sold!
About your host:  Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy - with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun!
As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the Flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic, romantic, and with the self - to take center stage.
Ultimately, this practice of connection helps flirters and daters alike create stronger relationships, transcend limiting beliefs, and develop an unwavering love for the self.
His work has been featured in Fortune, NBC News, The Huffington Post, and Yoga Journal.
You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

104. The Sex and the City Episode! with Scott Spraags

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we’re celebrating the premiere of the new season And Just Like That … with a special Sex and the City episode! 
Take the "Which Character am I" quiz (takes 3 minutes!):  Sex and the City Quiz
For this conversation, we welcome the multitalented and multifaceted Scott Spraags, a dancer, choreographer, producer, director, and all-around passionate creator who is a Sex and the City superfan, just like me!
In this episode, we explore each of the iconic characters—Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha—and the enduring dating lessons their stories, romances, relationships, and sexcapades have bestowed us. 
From Carrie’s avoidant and yet anxious tendencies to Miranda's Type A personality and how that played out in dating, to Charlotte’s hopeful romanticism and belief in love, to Samantha's unapologetic sexual confidence, we discuss how these characters and their narratives have shaped our understanding of love and relationships.
So, whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, please join us as we celebrate the show's impact on dating culture and its continued relevance today.
Let’s do this Flirties, and meet Scottie!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Flirtations on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode to spread BFE - big flirt energy- all over the world!
Enjoying the show and want to support my work? Buy the Flirt Coach a coffee!
About our guest:  Scott/Scottie is a working professional in entertainment and creative currently based in Los Angeles . He has worked with major artists such as Post Malone, Martin Short, and Broadway Choreographers, such as Connor Gallagher, and Patti Wilcox to name a few.  You can find him performing, acting, singing, and spreading love and joy all over the world .
He has gotten the opportunity to walk the lifestyles of so many different cultures & people from getting to travel, perform and live across the globe his entire life. 
The biggest lesson he has take away from this islearning to never take what you have for granted but to also never settle for less than you are.
He is thrilled to be a guest on Flirtations! And seriously SO proud to be a Flrity just like you. 
Keep up with Scott on Instagram @scottspraags.
About your host:  Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy - with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun!
As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the Flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic, romantic, and with the self - to take center stage.
Ultimately, this practice of connection helps flirters and daters alike create stronger relationships, transcend limiting beliefs, and develop an unwavering love for the self.
His work has been featured in Fortune, NBC News, The Huffington Post, and Yoga Journal.
You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

103. Limerence, Longing, and Connection with Amanda McCracken

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we’re talking limerence, longing, and connection with our guest, Amanda McCracken, a journalist, speaker, and host of the insightful The Longing Lab podcast and author of the forthcoming book, When Longing Becomes Your Lover.
Inside the episode, we breakdown limerence and the limerence cycle, and how this intense and often obsessive infatuation we may develop for someone ultimately keeps us from developing the connections and relationships we desire. 
We'll also explore the neuroscience behind limerence and how our brains are wired to desire what we don't have, and why this longing can become a comforting distraction. 
But that’s not all, you all came through with questions and we’ve got answers, like how to break the limerence cycle? What if I just can’t get over someone? I have a crush, how can I not go into limerence? What are some strategies for obsessive thoughts? What role does social media and the dating apps play in all of this?
As we begin to wrap up the conversation, Amanda shares her decision to wait until 41 to have sex, which garnered national attention and sparked conversations about intimacy, self-worth, and the societal narratives that shape our romantic lives.
Alright flirties, let’s prepare to examine our desires and the stories we tell ourselves about love. 
Time to meet Amanda!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Flirtations on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode to spread BFE - big flirt energy- all over the world!
Enjoying the show and want to support my work? Buy the Flirt Coach a coffee!
About our guest:  Amanda McCracken is an award-winning journalist whose writing has been published in the New York Times, Washington Post, Guardian, NPR, Elle, National Geographic, Vogue, Runner's World, Outside and elsewhere.
Her TEDx talk "How longing keeps us from healthy relationships" was one of only 200 talks chosen in 2023 as a TEDx editors' pick. She is now a TEDxCU speaker coach and a writing consultant at the University of Colorado.
McCracken has been interviewed about her essays on intimacy by Katie Couric, the BBC World News, USA Today, and various podcasts. After over a decade of research and interviews with 100+ people, her hybrid memoir on limerence When Longing Becomes Your Lover will be published Februrary 2026, but the greatest result of her investigative journey was meeting her husband and having their daughter. 
McCracken is also an endurance athlete and triathlon coach of 25 years. Learn more about her at www.amandajmccracken.com, on Instagram @amandajmccracken,  or discover more about the science and culture of longing at her podcast The Longing Lab.
About your host:  Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy - with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun!
As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the Flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic, romantic, and with the self - to take center stage.
Ultimately, this practice of connection helps flirters and daters alike create stronger relationships, transcend limiting beliefs, and develop an unwavering love for the self.
His work has been featured in Fortune, NBC News, The Huffington Post, and Yoga Journal.
You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

102. Ask a Matchmaker! Dating Insights From a Fourth Generation Expert with Maria Avgitidis

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we’re joined by the fabulous Maria Avgitidis— a fourth generation matchmaker, dating extraordinaire, and author of the new book Ask a Matchmaker to have a conversation with us about, well, dating!
Maria brings real-world wisdom, generational insight, and just the right dose of tough love to the modern dating experience we all need.
Inside the episode, we’ll learn what Maria observes when two people first meet and if there are ways to observe compatibility? What early signs indicate a connection has potential?
We also get into global affairs and urban planning—yes, really!,  and what these disciplines have to teach us about dating, connection, and community.
Then Maria shares about the number one dating dealbreaker today, how digital and social media have impacted dating, and we’ll end with some flirting tips, of course!
So if you’re ready for some bold insights and a few matchmaking secrets, then this episode is for you!
Let’s do the Flirties, and meet Maria!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Flirtations on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode to spread BFE - big flirt energy- all over the world!
Enjoying the show and want to support my work? Buy the Flirt Coach a coffee!
About our guest:  Maria Avgitidis is the CEO of Agape Match, an award-winning matchmaking service based out of New York City, and the host of the dating and relationship podcast Ask a Matchmaker. Maria combines strong intuition with matchmaking methodology to leverage each client’s unique personality, style, and history.
Their love stories are a testament to how Maria has transformed matchmaking utilizing behavioral science and the unique know-how gained through her matchmaking inheritance. Matchmaker Maria and her advice for those seeking love has been featured in The New York Times, CBS Mornings, Time Magazine, The Washington Post and more.
You can follow Maria on Instagram, learn more about Agape Match and matchmaking services, listen to the Ask and Matchmaker Podcast, and check out Maria's new book, Ask a Matchmaker, for more!
About your host:  Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy - with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun!
As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the Flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic, romantic, and with the self - to take center stage.
Ultimately, this practice of connection helps flirters and daters alike create stronger relationships, transcend limiting beliefs, and develop an unwavering love for the self.
His work has been featured in Fortune, NBC News, The Huffington Post, and Yoga Journal.
You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

101. How to Date Intentionally with Talia Koren

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we have the first-ever guest back on the show, it’s Talia Koren!
Talia is the host of the Dating Intentionally podcast and creator of the Dating Intentionally Instagram and YouTube pages, who is here to have a conversation with us about dating intentionally.
Inside the episode, here’s what you can expect:
How to identify your personal intentions and needs in the dating, and why this matters;
How to set and maintain boundaries, and why those boundaries are for you first;
Effective communication strategies, including texting frequency in early dating;
Transitioning from dating app conversations to real-life dates;
Approaches to multi-dating and determining the right balance for you;
Recognizing green and red flags, and understanding your dealbreakers;
Managing first-date anxiety; and
How to determine emotional availability and why it starts with you.
So, whether you're new to the dating scene, getting back out there after a break or relationship, or looking to refine your approach, this conversation offers practical insights to help you date with more intention.
Let’s do this Flirties, time to meet Talia!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Flirtations on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode to spread BFE - big flirt energy- all over the world!
Enjoying the show and want to support my work? Buy the Flirt Coach a coffee!
About our guest:  Talia Koren is a dating podcaster, content creator, and entrepreneur dedicated to helping people navigate modern dating with confidence and ease. As the founder of Dating Intentionally, she empowers singles—especially women in their 30s to 50s—to date with purpose, develop stronger connections, and have fun along the way.
With over 170,000 Instagram followers and a thriving podcast with over 2M downloads, Talia has built a community of intentional daters seeking guidance, practical advice, and a refreshing perspective on love. Her insights, rooted in experience and research, challenge common dating misconceptions and provide actionable strategies for folks who are looking to get into a long term relationship. 
Follow Talia on Instagram, YouTube, and check out the Dating Intentionally Podcast!
About your host:  Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy - with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun!
As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the Flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic, romantic, and with the self - to take center stage.
Ultimately, this practice of connection helps flirters and daters alike create stronger relationships, transcend limiting beliefs, and develop an unwavering love for the self.
His work has been featured in Fortune, NBC News, The Huffington Post, and Yoga Journal.
You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

100. Emotional Availability and What Matters in Relationships with Jillian Turecki

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, I am honored to bring you a conversation with Jillian Turecki, the host of the Jillian On Love podcast and author of the book, It Begins With You: The 9 Hard Truths About Love That Will Change Your Life.
The topics:  emotional availability and what matters in relationships.
To begin, we talk about some good ‘ol healing and the transformative period known as the "dark night of the soul." Jillian shares her experience with this and how even the hardest times, there are opportunities for profound growth and self-discovery.  
Then we take on the topic of emotional availability, what to look for in early dating, and what it takes to make a relationship work.
From the trap of dating someone's potential to understanding the nuances of readiness versus availability versus capacity, Jillian provides invaluable insights on how we can build relationships with emotionally available partners and why that work ultimately begins with us first. 
Next, we’ll hear Jillian’s take on situationships and touch on heartbreak. What Jillian says here, you do not want to miss.
Finally, we’ve got to talk about flirting, of course, and is Jillian a flirt?!
So, whether you're navigating the dating world, healing from past relationships, or seeking a deeper connection with yourself, this episode is for you!
Alright Flirties, let’s do this and meet Jillian!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Flirtations on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode to spread BFE - big flirt energy- all over the world!
Enjoying the show and want to support my work? Buy the Flirt Coach a coffee!
About our guest:  Jillian Turecki is a renowned relationship expert, teacher, author, and host of the Podcast, Jillian On Love. Fueled by an insatiable curiosity about what makes a relationship thrive, Jillian has helped thousands over the last 20 years through her teachings, courses, and writing to revolutionize their relationship with themselves so that they transform their romantic relationships. Jillian is sought out for her compassionate, direct, and very authentic style of coaching, teaching and writing.
You can connect with Jillian on her website, Instagram, the Jillian on Love podcast, and learn more about It Begins With You!
About your host:  Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy - with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun!
As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the Flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic, romantic, and with the self - to take center stage.
Ultimately, this practice of connection helps flirters and daters alike create stronger relationships, transcend limiting beliefs, and develop an unwavering love for the self.
His work has been featured in Fortune, NBC News, The Huffington Post, and Yoga Journal.
You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

99. The People Pleasing Episode! with Natalie Lue

Coming up on this episode for Flirtations, we welcome Natalie Lue, the host of the Baggage Reclaim Sessions podcast and the author of five books, including The Joy of Saying No, to have a conversation with us about people pleasing!
Natalie is a leading voice on boundaries and people-pleasing, helping people understand how their emotional baggage interferes with their ability to live authentically.
Together, we'll delve into what people-pleasing truly is and explore the five distinct styles of people pleasing Natalie identifies: gooding, efforting, avoiding, saving, and suffering.
We'll discuss how people-pleasing often originates from childhood experiences and how it manifests in our adult relationships, particularly in dating.
Natalie will shed light on why people-pleasing can be a significant barrier to genuine intimacy and the importance of embracing conflict as a natural and sometimes necessary part of healthy relationships.
We'll also examine societal norms, the ways we’re socialized, and how the era of obedience have influenced our tendencies to people-please, and why understanding and respecting differences—rather than merely mirroring others—is crucial for authentic connections.
Finally, we'll explore the vital role of boundaries in breaking free from people-pleasing patterns and how to recognize and change these behaviors to foster more fulfilling relationships.
So, if you're ready to change your people pleasing habits and create more fulfilling relationships, this episode is for you!
Let’s do this Flirties, and meet Natalie!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Flirtations on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode to spread BFE - big flirt energy- all over the world!
Enjoying the show and want to support my work? Buy the Flirt Coach a coffee!
About our guest:  Natalie Lue, 47, is a writer, artist, podcaster, and author of five books, including Mr Unavailable and the Fallback Girl and her most recent, The Joy of Saying No. She helps people pleasers, perfectionists and relationship strugglers reclaim themselves from their emotional baggage so that they can become more of who they really are and enjoy more fulfilling relationships relationships, careers, and experiences.
Her key topics include boundaries, emotional unavailability, and how to foster increased emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being by breaking harmful and unhelpful patterns. Natalie’s work has been featured in various media, including The New York Times, ITV’s Lorraine, NPR, BBC, Washington Post, Stylist, and USA Today.
You can connect with Natalie on Instagram, learn more about the Baggage Reclaim Sessions podcast and blog, and check out her books and work on her website.
About your host:  Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy - with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun!
As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the Flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic, romantic, and with the self - to take center stage.
Ultimately, this practice of connection helps flirters and daters alike create stronger relationships, transcend limiting beliefs, and develop an unwavering love for the self.
His work has been featured in Fortune, NBC News, The Huffington Post, and Yoga Journal.
You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

98. Neurodivergence and Dating with Mady Snyder

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we’re talking about neurodivergence and dating with our guest, Mady Snyder, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in working with late-diagnosed neurodivergent individuals and couples! Whew, I am so ready!
Dating is a complex journey for most, but for those with neurodivergence, it can present distinct challenges and yet many opportunities.​
Today, we'll discuss:​
What is neurodivergence and what are the strengths of the neurodivergent person?
Navigating Social Cues: The complexities of interpreting social signals, understanding flirting, and the challenges posed by dating experiences like ghosting.
Sensory Sensitivities: How can heightened sensory experiences impact dating?
Rejection sensitivity: What are the ways this shows up and what can we do about rejection in dating?
Communication:  How might differences in communication styles and expectations lead to misunderstandings, and what are some strategies that are helpful here?
Why the neurodivergent person might just be a superconnector!
Masking:  the function of masking, how we can unmask, and ultimately bring more vulnerability and authenticity into the dating process
And honestly, much more!
So, whether you're neurodivergent yourself, dating someone who is, or simply interested in understanding diverse dating experiences, this conversation is for you!
Let’s do this Flirties, and meet Mady!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Flirtations on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode to spread BFE - big flirt energy- all over the world!
Enjoying the show and want to support my work? Buy the Flirt Coach a coffee!
About your guest:  Mady Snyder, LMFT, is a neurodiversity-affirming therapist based in Pasadena, California, offering both in-person and virtual sessions. She specializes in working with late-identified autistic and ADHD adults, with a focus on identity, relationships, and the often-overlooked nuances of neurodivergent dating. Mady brings warmth, humor, and deep insight to her work, creating spaces where neurodivergent individuals feel seen, supported, and celebrated as their full selves.
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/couchspace/
Website
https://www.madysnyder.com/
Infographics on Autism
https://neurodivergentinsights.com/autism-infographics/
ADHD Infographics
https://neurodivergentinsights.com/adhd-infographics/
Self Assessments for Autism, ADHD, OCD, Others
https://embrace-autism.com/autism-tests/
Live Your Values Card Deck
https://lisacongdon.com/products/values-deck
Camouflaging
https://embrace-autism.com/autism-and-camouflaging/
ND Therapist Directory 
https://ndtherapists.com/
About your host:  Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy - with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun!
As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the Flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic, romantic, and with the self - to take center stage.
Ultimately, this practice of connection helps flirters and daters alike create stronger relationships, transcend limiting beliefs, and develop an unwavering love for the self.
His work has been featured in Fortune, NBC News, The Huffington Post, and Yoga Journal.
You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

97. The Nervous System and Getting off the Rollercoaster of Emotions in Dating with Jessica Maguire

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we're joined by Jessica Maguire, a renowned expert in nervous system regulation and repair, and author of the book The Nervous System Reset, to have a conversation with us about not only healing the nervous system - but healing the connection with ourselves in the process.
First, we explore what often gets overlooked in nervous work and initial steps you can take to get off the rollercoaster of emotions in dating, and perhaps in life. 
Jessica shares how we can regulate our nervous systems amidst the uncertainties of dating, even when someone pulls back or pushes your buttons.
We get into the anxious and avoidant nervous systems differ, the different protective responses we have when we’re anxious, how the body stores emotions, and how neuroplasticity offers hope for repairing the nervous system.
You can repattern your nervous system and indeed find calm amidst the storm.
Finally, we’ll learn how to feel safe in our body and sit with uncomfortable feelings, even if that’s challenging or impossible before. 
So, whether you're navigating the dating world or seeking a deeper understanding of you and your nervous system, this episode is for you!
Let’s do this Flirties, and meet Jessica!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Flirtations on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode to spread BFE - big flirt energy, all over the world!
Enjoying the show and want to support my work? Buy the Flirt Coach a coffee!
About our guest:  Jessica stands at the forefront of nervous system regulation as a renowned physiotherapist and groundbreaking vagus nerve researcher. Her international bestseller, "The Nervous System Reset," has established her as the definitive voice in helping individuals overcome dysregulation.
Jessica's teachings represent an important paradigm shift in understanding the brain-body connection. She distills over two decades of rigorous study, groundbreaking research, and proven clinical experience into practical, actionable frameworks. that have transformed thousands of lives worldwide.
Through her innovative frameworks, and protocols Jessica has empowered thousands of students across six continents to fundamentally transform their nervous systems, resulting in:
Enhanced resilience to stress and environmental triggers
Improved cognitive function and emotional regulation
Sustainable physiological balance and improved overall wellbeing
Jessica has delivered keynotes to New South Wales Police and is also a distinguished TEDx speaker. She has shared thought leadership pieces with the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age that included her personal story: the loss of her two brothers, Sam and Luke. 
Learn more about Jessica's work and the Vagus Nerve Program here and follow Jessica on Instagram!
About your host:  Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy - with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun!
As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the Flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic, romantic, and with the self - to take center stage.
Ultimately, this practice of connection helps flirters and daters alike create stronger relationships, transcend limiting beliefs, and develop an unwavering love for the self.
His work has been featured in Fortune, NBC News, The Huffington Post, and Yoga Journal.
You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

96. Reclaiming Yourself: Healing from Abusive Relationships with Ashley Maland

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we welcome Ashley Maland, Host of the "This Is Where We Heal" Podcast, to have a conversation with us about the complex journey of surviving an abusive relationship.
We'll uncover how to begin healing from abusive and toxic relationships—whether it’s domestic violence, sexual assault, or the emotional scars left by narcissistic abuse—and discover the initial steps you can take if you find yourself in a harmful or volatile situation. 
Ashley shares her insights on trusting yourself, practicing self-forgiveness, and how we can build healthy foundations in early dating without rushing, falling into self-sabotage, or repeating old patterns.
Together, we’ll talk about how your most loving, authentic self is the best version of you—even if past experiences have left you feeling hardened—and how to shift from a victim mentality to that of a victor. 
We'll also ask the tough questions, like are all abusers narcissists? Is there really a rock bottom moment, or is that just an illusion? Why is it so hard to break free from an abuser?
If you're ready to believe in what’s possible, trust your inner voice, and reclaim your power in love and life, then this episode is for you. 
Alright Flirties, let’s go on on healing journey with Ashley Maland.
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Flirtations on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode to spread BFE - big flirt energy, all over the world!
Enjoying the show and want to support my work? Buy the Flirt Coach a coffee!
About our guest:  Ashley Taylor Maland is a multi-talented social media influencer, writer, and healing from DV & SA advocate. With a dedicated following of over half a million followers, she has garnered widespread attention for her impactful content, including viral videos that have amassed over 20 million views. Ashley's platform serves as a space for discussions on healing, authenticity, toxic relationships, self-belief, and self-improvement.
Ashley is a resilient single mother who balances her various roles with grace and determination. As the podcast host for “This Is Where We Heal” she utilizes her platform to amplify important conversations and share empowering stories. Using her own experiences to raise awareness and offer support to others facing similar challenges in relationships and healing.
Driven by her belief in the power of authenticity, Ashley strives to inspire and encourage her audience to embrace their true selves, prioritize self-care, and break free from toxic relationships. Her unwavering commitment to personal growth and empowerment has solidified her reputation as a positive force in the online community.
Her podcast “This Is Where We Heal” can be found on Apple, Spotify & YouTube.
Listen to the This is Where We Heal Podcast, and follow Ashley on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
About your host:  Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy - with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun!
As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the Flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic, romantic, and with the self - to take center stage.
Ultimately, this practice of connection helps flirters and daters alike create stronger relationships, transcend limiting beliefs, and develop an unwavering love for the self.
His work has been featured in Fortune, NBC News, The Huffington Post, and Yoga Journal.
You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.