Flirtations! with Benjamin, the Flirt Coach

31. Dating Outside Your Type with Ali Jackson

Do you have a type? What does having a type mean, anyway? Is it just the way someone looks? Does type equate to a personality? Interests? Career? Or even energy?
Today on Flirtations, we’re demystifying what “type” actually means, learning how to date outside our type, and uncovering WHY this should part of your dating strategy!
We welcome Ali Jackson to the show for this discussion, a NYC based dating coach, and together, we'll explore how dating a certain type can limit our dating experiences and why expanding our concept of WHO we're truly attracted to can be the key to finding fulfilling relationships.
So whether you feel stuck in your dating life, are going after - or attracting -  the same type, or are curious about what lies beyond your 'type,' this episode is for you!
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!
About our guest:  Ali Jackson is an NYC-based dating & relationship coach who’s been there, in the trenches, looking for her person. She’s learned to own her needs, embrace her feelings, and communicate both directly. And she’s helping you do the same! Because when you ask for what you want, you just might get it. You can find her on social media @findingmrheight (Instagram and Tik Tok) and on her website findingmrheight.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 and romantic connection - to take center stage and transform lives for greater healing and ultimately, a deeper connection with the self.
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.
💗 Happy flirting!

30. Situationships, FWBs, and the Rules of Casual Dating with Madison Brandt

Let’s talk about the rules of casual dating, y’all!
On this episode of Flirtations, we welcome Madison Brandt, a fellow dating coach and host of the Deep Talk podcast, to cover alllll the bases (and rules) of casual dating. Y’all came through with questions for this one and we lawd did we answer them!
Questions like, “What is casual dating, anyway?" "How do I know if I'm in a  situationship?” “How about friends with benefits, what makes that particular connection what it is?” “Can either become more?” 
“What if I catch feels for my casual dating partner, how can I know if they feel the same way?” “Are there rules to casual dating? Is it bad if that’s what I want to do?” "How can I manage my expectations, my mind - and my heart?"
I don’t think I have much more to tease, you’re ready for this one!
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!
About our guest:  Madison Brandt is a Dating & Relationship Coach and the host of the Deep Talk Podcast. She's passionate about helping people both find — and keep — a healthy relationship. Madison currently resides in Minneapolis, MN and takes clients virtually. To work with Madison, please visit her website. To follow along with her content, find her at Instagram @wellnessmads or tune into her podcast on Apple or Spotify.
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 and romantic connection - to take center stage and transform lives for greater healing and ultimately, a deeper connection with the self.
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.
💗 Happy flirting!
 

29. The Roles of Love, Healing, and Childhood Family Dynamics in Dating with Todd Baratz

On this episode of Flirtations, we’re taking on three big topics that lie at heart of how we connect, how we date, and how we form relationships!
Up for discussion are the the roles of love, healing, and our childhood family dynamics in dating, and to have this conversation with us is Todd Baratz. Todd is a licensed mental mental health counselor and author of the book “How to Love Someone Without Losing Your Mind.” You may also know him from the uber popular Instagram page he founded, @yourdiagnonsense (giving some of the BEST dating and relationship advice anywhere on the internet).
Together, we’ll talk about what love truly is, as well as the differences between self love and relational love. If you’re single and dating and feel like you’ve got allll the love for yourself but something is still missing, you don’t want to miss this part of the episode!
But there’s much more. We also talk about healing and the differences between self healing and relational healing. If you’re listening to this, you’re probably on a healing journey, seeking to understand more about yourself, what you want out of life, and heal past wounds, traumas, and hurt. I hope this part of the episode is helpful in your healing journey!
Finally, we’ll explore how the relationships we have, or maybe don’t have, with our parents influence our dating lives, and how understanding these deep-rooted dynamics can lead to healthier, more fulfilling connections. 
So much to talk about, let’s get into this episode on how love, healing, and family dynamics impact how we date and who we choose to love.
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!
About our guest:  Todd Baratz, LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor, certified sex therapist, author, and creator of the Instagram page @yourdiagnonsense. Todd's book, "How to Love Someone Without Losing Your Mind:  Forget the Fairytale and Get Real," is now available wherever books are sold. You can further connect with Todd online and find ways to work with him here.
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 and romantic connection - to take center stage and transform lives for greater healing and ultimately, a deeper connection with the self.
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.
💗 Happy flirting!

28. Dating the Good Guy with a Bad Boy Edge with Taylor Byrd and Knox Peake

On this episode of Flirtations, we're taking on the intriguing world of the "Good Guy with a Bad Boy Edge!"
What makes this combination so irresistible? How can you navigate the unique dynamics of such a fella? What about dating this guy?!
Whether you're drawn to the dependable nature of the good guy or the thrill and mystery of the bad boy, this episode offers something for you!
With our guests Taylor Byrd and Knox Peake, we'll break down the characteristics that define these dual-natured individuals, discuss the challenges and benefits of dating them, and provide tips on how to find balance in dating this enticing individual.
Tune in for a fun, lighthearted, and informative discussion that will leave you with a fresh perspective on love and dating. Whether you're currently dating a good guy with a bad boy edge or just curious about the allure, this episode is a must-listen!
We'll also be getting into some "Southern Dating Secrets" as an added bonus!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Flirtations on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on social media for more dating tips and insights!
About our guests: 
The tea ain't the only thing sweet around here. An Alabama boy with a NYC mouth, giving you belly laughs and jaw drops like clock work, Taylor Byrd, who you may now as "Sweet T," has built a platform of 2 million+ across social media with his authenticity and candid takes about life. You can follow him on TikTok and Instagram!
Knox Peake is a global adventurer and content creator who grew up and currently lives in North Carolina. Knox is passionate about the outdoors, travel, fashion, dogs, and more. He is an LGBTQ+ rights advocate and offers his audience daily inspiration and positivity. He grew his Instagram page organically and has partnered with brands such as Saucony Footwear, JCPenney, Swiss Army Knife, Land Rover, Ritz-Carlton, Food Lion, Sheetz, StarKist, Bojangles, LifeStance Health, The Vitamin Shoppe, Nutro Pet Food, and multiple beer brewers as well as many men’s grooming brands. In addition, he has collaborated with various travel and hospitality organizations. He has multiple upcoming campaigns that are true to his heart and you can find him on Instagram and Threads @knoxpeake and his website www.knoxpeake.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 and romantic connection - to take center stage and transform lives for greater healing and ultimately, a deeper connection with the self.
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.
💗 Happy flirting!

27. Boundaries, Communication, and Dating as an Empath with Allison KT

In this episode of Flirtations, we welcome Allison KT on the show to help take on some of the most crucial aspects of dating that will help you date with much more clarity, confidence, and calm!
We start off by break downing what boundaries are, how you will use them in your dating life, and why you need them! Boundaries will be one of the cornerstones of your dating journey.
But we couldn't stop there. Cuz when it comes to setting boundaries, you'll also need communication skills, conflict resolution tools, and likely some strategies to work through people pleasing habits and thoughts! We have got you covered today as we get into ALL of this.
And if you're an empath (and people pleaser) like us, you know first hand how intense the dating process can be! What can you do when you feel EVERYTHING rather intensely? How do you manage your energy? (Spoiler alert:  we'll talk about energetic boundaries here!)
The link to the Instagram LIVE mentioned in the episode!
Now I invite you to turn up the volume and enjoy this episode of Flirtations!
About our guest:  Allison KT is an IPEC and ICF certified coach, Reiki Master, and EFT tapping practitioner here to help her fellow recovering people-pleasers feel confident standing up for themselves and setting boundaries. She also has a degree in Psychology & Conflict Transformation and loves using her holistic boundary setting approach to help people see difficult conversations differently. In her work as The Grounded Empath she runs the Sacred Self-Care Community and offers a range of coaching programs helping people learn how to set boundaries that feel like loving self-protection. Outside of this, she's also a competitive powerlifter and group fitness instructor.
Take the What Type of People-Pleaser Are You? quiz here and use code FLIRTY30 here to get 30% off her guided ebook and journal to prepare for difficult conversations! You can also find her on IG here: https://instagram.com/the.grounded.empath
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 and romantic connection - to take center stage and transform lives for greater healing and ultimately, a deeper connection with the self.
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.
💗 Happy flirting!

26. Virtual Reality: How the Media Influences our Dating Lives with Courtney Revolution

On this episode of Flirtations is reality tv star and podcast host Courtney Revolution and together, we're gonna explore how the media influences our dating lives and shapes our perceptions - and expectations - of love.
From reality tv dating shows to social media, and the roles of celebrity and influencer culture on our dating lives, we're getting into all the ways the media impacts the ways we date!
Some questions we explore in this conversation are, "How much of our love lives are influenced by what we see on our screens?" "Are we setting ourselves up by chasing versions of love, dating, romance, and relationships we see on tv and social media?" "How does what we watch impact how we feel about ourselves? And where we're at with dating?"
Join us as we share insights on how to navigate the intersection of media and modern dating and get into some reality tv tea only an insider would know about!
Don't forget to leave a rating and then share this with a friend!
About our guest:  Courtney Revolution is a pop culture commentator, entertainment host, and lifestyle influencer based in Los Angeles. Best known for his sharp insights and witty commentary on reality TV and celebrity culture, Courtney has captivated audiences as a standout on Netflix's The Circle and as the cohost of the Toast To Tea podcast. With a passion for nostalgia and a mission to inform and inspire, Courtney connects with his audience audiences through content that celebrates the best of pop culture, music, and more!
You can connect with Courtney on Instagram and Tik Tok, and listen to the Toast to Tea Podcast on 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 and romantic connection - to take center stage and transform lives for greater healing and ultimately, a deeper connection with the self.
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.
💗 Happy flirting!

25. The Dating Apps Episode! with Damona Hoffman

We're dating on the apps today y'all and swiping RIGHT on this episode!
On the show for this conversation is Damona Hoffman, dating coach extraordinaire, online dating expert, author, podcast host, and dating correspondent for the Drew Barrymore Show (among other accolades)!
Damona takes us through the process of using the dating apps as a tool to meet potential dates and find long lasting romance that begins with our mindset. We then go through the search, the match, and setting up the first date as we learn how to make the apps work for us rather than have them work our nerves!
Along the way, we answer questions like:  Which app should I use? What if I'm frustrated cuz I don't feel they have worked for me in the past? What if I haven't been happy with my quality of matches? What should I put in my profile? What about pictures? How long should I talk on the apps before going on a date? What if I'm feeling burnt out? Do the apps even still work?
Whether you're currently on the apps or thinking about making a profile, if you're asking yourself any of these questions, this episode is for you!
About our guest:  Damona Hoffman is a regular contributor to The Drew Barrymore Show, NPR, and The Washington Post. She was also featured in Season 11 of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Damona has created content and collaborated with most major dating apps including Bumble, Match, and OkCupid. Her podcast, Dates & Mates, was named Best Podcast of the Year by The Black Podcasting Awards. Damona’s first book, "F the Fairy Tale," was released January 2024 (Hachette/Seal Press) and is endorsed by Dr. Drew Pinsky, Drew Barrymore, Lori Gottlieb and more.
You can connect with Damona on Instagram, online at www.damonahoffman.com, and grab of copy of "F the Fairytale" here. The "Dates and Mates" podcast is streaming on all major podcasting platfroms.
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 and romantic connection - to take center stage and transform lives for greater healing and ultimately, a deeper connection with the self.
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.
💗 Happy flirting!

24. The Fear Episode! with Benjamin, the Flirt Coach

Is fear holding you back? In flirting? In dating? In love? In life?
I wanted to create a standalone (solo!) episode all about FEAR.
Fear has been one of the most present feelings, emotions, states of being, states of mind ... that I have carried with me for my whole life.
I still carry fear with me, but I no longer allow it to keep me from LIVING.
In this episode, I share the six ways fear presents itself in our dating lives, how we develop these fears, and the role fear plays in our lives. Then I share strategies to move through - and beyond - the fear.
There are two embodiment practices as we flirt with new ways of exploring information here on Flirtations! I've got an original short story for you called "Why the Bear Sleeps" and a body scan meditation all about releasing fear.
I hope you enjoy this episode! Thank you so much for tuning in. Please share this one (or another!) with a friend and don't forget to leave a review! 💗
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 and romantic connection - to take center stage and transform lives for greater healing and ultimately, a deeper connection with the self.
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.
Happy flirting!
 

23. Rejection, Heartbreak, and Saying No in Dating with Sarah Rice

Is rejection truly redirection? What are some other ways to think about rejection in dating? How can you deal with ghosting if it happens? What about a breakup, help! What if you're not feeling a connection and need to end it, but find it difficult to do so?
In this episode of Flirtations, our guest, Sarah Rice, and I will get into all the ways rejection happens in dating and offer reframes to think about it in perhaps whole new ways!
We'll also be asking the question, "does love happen into your life when you least expect it?"
Finally, we've got for you strategies to bring more love into your life, no matter if you're hurting, taking a break, or unsure where to even start your dating journey.
Thank you for checking out this episode! Please leave a rating or view and make sure to learn more about our amazing guest below!
About our guest:  Sarah Rice, AMFT, is a licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and the co-host of the popular podcasts *The Brain Candy* and *This Changes Everything*. With a deep passion for mental health, Sarah brings warmth and insight to her therapy practice, helping clients navigate life’s challenges. She is currently accepting new clients who are residents of California. To learn more or schedule a session, check out Sarah on the web  and you can follow Sarah on Instagram at @imsarahrice. 
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 and romantic connection - to take center stage and transform lives for greater healing and ultimately, a deeper connection with the self.
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.
💗 Happy flirting!

22. The Spark, Chemistry, and Attraction in Early Dating with Lauren Josephine

What do you think about the spark?
Does it need to be there right away? Can it grow over time? How long should you give it to develop? Does the spark even matter?
What about chemistry? How does that factor into things? 
What role does attraction play in dating? Both physical and emotional attraction?
In this episode, myself and our guest Lauren Josephine (@lookingforsomethingserious) will break it allll down for you and answer your questions about the ⚡️SPARK⚡️ and more!
I hope you enjoy this episode and please leave a review or rating if you found it helpful! 
About our guest:  Lauren is long-time dater turned dating and relationships author. After going on over 200 dates throughout her 20s and 30s, she felt called to write about and normalize all of the struggles modern daters deal with today, especially when using dating apps.
She recently published her first book called "Looking for Something Serious", in which she uses her 10-year dating journey to discuss the many pitfalls of dating today, like ghosting, situationships, repeated rejection, and losing hope in dating altogether.
Lauren is passionate about sharing practical, optimistic dating advice to help single people build the confidence, patience, and hope they need to not give up on finding love. She is 34 and lives in the Bay Area, California with her fiancé (who she met on Reddit in 2022!) and her dog Winnie.
You can connect with Lauren on Instagram and via 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 and romantic connection - to take center stage and transform lives for greater healing and ultimately, a deeper connection with the self.
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.
💗 Happy flirting!