Flirtations! with Benjamin, the Flirt Coach

12. Sobriety and Dating with Jamie Mercadante

What an episode coming your way!
Whether you're sober, sober curious, dating someone sober, or simply curious about this conversation, this episode is for you!
On the show today, we'll be talking with Jamie Mercadante and the topic is sobriety and dating.
We'll learn more about Jamie, her sobriety story, the changes she made to get sober, and how sobriety changed her relationships. The theme of fear comes up again and I love how Jamie talks about her experiences!
Then, we'll cover sober dating strategies, how much to share (and when) on a date and in your dating app profile, and navigating a dating landscape that can center drinking (and more).
The conversation continues on Swell with bonus clips, extended interviews, and more! After each episode, head on over to Swell and let's keep flirting!  https://www.swellcast.com/BenjaminCamras
Then, join me on Flirtstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/benjamincamras/
And Flirttok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@benjamincamras
To work together and for all Flirt Coach offers:  https://stan.store/benjamincamras
About our guest (in her words):  My name is Jamie Mercadante and I am a Yoga Instructor and Content Creator. I grew up in Newport News, Virginia and now reside in High Point, NC with my husband and kids. I have taught yoga for a decade and began creating social media content consistently in the beginning of 2024. With that being said, none of this would be possible if I did not make the choice of being Sober. My sobriety date is July 7, 2013. 
For me, teaching Yoga has been an authentic way for me to truly connect with others. Yoga has been a path I wholeheartedly embraced after making the decision to change my life that has provided me with a true contentment and being grounded. I try to live by example that Yoga isn’t “what you do” it’s how you live”. I love teaching teacher trainings, workshops, vinyasa and yin classes, as well as meditation. I have taught yoga in the Triad for right at a decade and have really made long lasting connections with people. Recently, I have taken a pause from teaching to learn more and to expand possible teaching opportunities outside of the Triad. 
This year I found a new passion that has caught me by surprise, which is being a content creator. I love being genuine and authentic, putting myself out there, and really wanting to be relatable to others. We all have similarities about us; being feelings and emotions, situations and experiences, traumas and celebrations, that we all can relate to. I have found in an organic way, that with being vulnerable and authentic on social media, that I can be relatable to others and build relationships through discussions on yoga, sobriety, women supporting women, and day to day life experiences. You can find me on Instagram under my profile @justcall_me_james_and my contact is Yogajamie108@gmail.com for yoga, collaborations, and to share my sobriety story.
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For US residents, more information on Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous can be found using these clickable links! The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can provide acute services with a 24 hour helpline. The Sober Pod is a great resource for recovery support.
Thank you for listening! I couldn't do this without two amazing collaborators! Thank you to Corey Claxton for mixing down and editing each episode to perfection. You can connect with Corey on Instagram and via email coreyclaxton@gmail.com. Thank you to Joey Collins for the original music you hear in each episode. You can connect with Joey on Instagram and Soundcloud! 

11. My Tummy Hurts! How to Help Your Nervous Belly with the Gut Goddess

Flirty, I have some questions for you!
Does your tummy hurt sometimes? Maybe before a first date? Or when thinking about talking to your crush? And you feel like pooping your pants? Or barfing?
Cuz same! And if you've ever felt like this in the past, present (or future), this episode is for you!
On the show, we're joined by Madisen Smith, aka the Gut Goddess and together, we'll go on a journey through the digestive and nervous systems to learn more about why your belly hurts when you get nervous!
We're gonna get into the nitty gritty details about WHAT actually happens to your body when you feel anxious and WHY your tummy hurts! But that's not all, no way. Madisen also has a bunch of practical things you can do feel better in the short term AND what you can do begin to heal your gut in the long term - for good. 
Later in the show, I take your submitted questions, including what to do if you're too nervous to eat or have to poop on a date.
Then after the episode, please head on over to Flirttube for your embodiment practice where I have a meditation for you! In this short video, I'll set you up in a luxurious, supportive child's pose and guide you through a relaxing meditation for decreasing anxiety.
The conversation continues on Swell with bonus clips, extended interviews, and more! After each episode, head on over to Swell and let's keep flirting!  https://www.swellcast.com/BenjaminCamras
Then, join me on Flirtstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/benjamincamras/
And Flirttok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@benjamincamras
To work together and for all Flirt Coach offers:  https://stan.store/benjamincamras
About our guest:  Madisen Smith, aka the "Gut Goddess," her story in her words:  Since I can remember, I've struggled with digestive issues. As a kid experienced stomach pain, food reactions and unexplained bouts of diarrhea, gas and bloating. I thought my symptoms were normal. I always saw doctors as a kid and they simply told me "everything was normal". My digestive issues took a turn when I was prescribed multiple rounds of antibiotics for reoccurring tonsil infections at the age of 18. My symptoms became a daily struggle and debilitating. I spent years getting blood work, stool tests, colonoscopies and seeing multiple specialists, all to be told I had a bit of inflammation and IBS.
As defeated as I was over the course of 8 years trying to figure out my gut issues, I became incredibly passionate about health. I decided to go back to school and study holistic nutrition. I attended National University of Natural Medicine in 2016 and received a Masters Degree in Holistic Nutrition.I know what it feels like. I know your gut issues are impacting SO much more than the food you can eat. I created my business and programs for people just like my past self. I wish I had the support, guidance and direction of someone who understood what I was going through all those years. 
You can learn more about Madisen and her coaching on her website and Instagram.
Thank you for listening! I couldn't do this without two amazing collaborators! Thank you to Corey Claxton for mixing down and editing each episode to perfection. You can connect with Corey on Instagram and via email coreyclaxton@gmail.com. Thank you to Joey Collins for the original music you hear in each episode. You can connect with Joey on Instagram and Soundcloud! 

10. It's Never Too Late: Healing and Finding Purpose Through the Years with Donna Davidge

The BONUS episodes of Flirtations continue!
For this one, I sat down with Donna Davidge, owner of Sewell House yoga retreat and together, we'll bring you a conversation all about purpose and healing. We'll learn more about Donna, how she started the Sewall House, and hear about the significant shifts Donna made in her 20's, bucking all the trends, to carve her own path and live life on her terms.
Flirty, if you are at a point in your relationships or career, wondering if you are on the right path, perhaps feeling like there is something different, something greater out there for you, this episode for you. If you are wondering if it’s too late to make a change in your life (it’s not!), this episode is for you. if you are wondering how to deal with the fear and uncertainty that comes up in going deep within to discover the truth of who you are, this episode is for you!
The conversation continues on Swell with bonus clips, extended interviews, and more! After each episode, head on over to Swell and let's keep flirting! For this episode's extended interview, I asked Donna how she has embraced independence in her adult life outside of dating. Here her answer here:  https://www.swellcast.com/BenjaminCamras
Then, join me on Flirtstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/benjamincamras/
And Flirttok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@benjamincamras
To work together and for all Flirt Coach offers:  https://stan.store/benjamincamras
About our guest: Donna Amrita Davidge has been a seeker and searcher since writing poems like "Why" at age 12, which she begins her 2019 memoir with, "Balancing with Bunions". She has found some answers that help deal with life through yoga and meditation, taking her first class in 1972.  She owns and operates her retreat Sewall House (since 1997!) in northern Maine, long before wellness retreats became a “thing” and has been teaching a variety of forms of yoga and meditation since 1985 in New York City. She believes these tools are even more needed in our current times and continues to share them with others, including on her YouTube channel @Amritayoga. You can learn more about Sewall House and Yoga Teacher Trainings on the web and Instagram.
Special Flirtations offer! Through the 2024 retreat season (until early October), please use code "FLIRT2024" for 10% off your stay!
Thank you for listening! I couldn't do this without two amazing collaborators! Thank you to Corey Claxton for mixing down and editing each episode to perfection. You can connect with Corey on Instagram and via email coreyclaxton@gmail.com. Thank you to Joey Collins for the original music you hear in each episode. You can connect with Joey on Instagram and Soundcloud! 

9. Breaking Barriers: Disability and Modern Dating with Jessica Jordan Ping

On this episode of Flirtations is Jessica Jordan Ping, who was born with a rare disability called CHILD syndrome that affects 60 people worldwide. Now 27,  I was absolutely honored to share this conversation with Jessica as we answer all your questions about dating with a disability! 
Whether you have a visible or invisible disability, are an ally of the disabled community, or curious to learn more about this important topic, I hope you'll check out this episode!
First, we'll learn more about Jessica, her experiences growing up, and how she was able to develop a fierce love for herself and believe in the possible, despite a world that lacked examples or representation of disabled people. One of my favorite things about Jessica is her sense of humor, which is on full display!
Then we'll get into your dating questions around boundaries, what to put (and not put) on a dating profile, how to navigate those initial conversations on dates around how much to share, how to date from a place of empowerment, and more. We'll also hear about Jessica's advocacy efforts, how ableism works its way into every day life, and what we can all do to support the disabled community.
After the interview, "Ask the Flirt Coach" is back! In this segment, we'll talk to Jordan who is multi-dating and wants to know, how do you not compare two people you are dating to one another in the early stages? How do you know which one is ultimately a better match if you're physically attracted to one, but the other you're emotionally attracted to? You don't want to miss this!
The conversation continues on Swell with bonus clips, extended interviews, and more! After each episode, head on over to Swell and let's keep flirting!  https://www.swellcast.com/BenjaminCamras
Then, join me on Flirtstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/benjamincamras/
And Flirttok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@benjamincamras
To work together and for all Flirt Coach offers:  https://stan.store/benjamincamras
About our guest:  Jessica Jordan Ping is a 27-year-old, American content creator, speaker, writer, presenter, model, actor, consultant, and disability advocate who was born with CHILD Syndrome, a very rare genetic condition that affects 60 people worldwide with skin and limb deficiencies. In June 2020, one year after graduating with a BA in English literature from the University of Notre Dame, Jessica launched her blog, The Rolling Explorer. She uses her online platforms to educate and spread awareness of her lived experience, increase disability visibility and be the representation she didn't have growing up, spill the #AccessibiliTEA, and inspire self-love and disability pride worldwide. You can follow Jessica on Instagram here!
Thank you for listening! I couldn't do this without two amazing collaborators! Thank you to Corey Claxton for mixing down and editing each episode to perfection. You can connect with Corey on Instagram and via email coreyclaxton@gmail.com. Thank you to Joey Collins for the original music you hear in each episode. You can connect with Joey on Instagram and Soundcloud! 

8. We're Getting into Drag, Y'all! with Naomi Dix and Onya Nerves

Are ya’ll ready to get into drag?! That’s exactly what we’ll be doing in this final BONUS episode of Flirtations for Pride Month!
On the show today we have two of North Carolina’s finest drag artists and performers, Naomi Dix and Onya Nerves. We’ll hear about their personal stories of how they got into drag and what it truly means to be a drag artist.
What unfolds are beautiful conversations about what it means (and feels like!) to live in your truth, how we can embrace our authentic selves, and why allowing yourself to be seen as who you is so important. If you’ve got some questions about how any of that is possible, this episode is for you!
Regardless of how you identify, or whether you’ve ever seen a drag performance before, I encourage you to check out this episode and hear the mic drop moments for yourself!
The conversation continues on Swell with bonus clips, extended interviews, and more! After each episode, head on over to Swell and let's keep flirting!  https://www.swellcast.com/BenjaminCamras
Then, join me on Flirtstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/benjamincamras/
And Flirttok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@benjamincamras
Check out my Flirt Coach offers:  https://stan.store/benjamincamras
About our guests:  
Naomi Dix:  Based out of Durham North Carolina, Naomi Dix is one of the Triangles most dynamic, versatile, boundary pushing Drag artist. Naomi Dix was born into the Drag world March of 2014, making her debut as a House of Coxx member and has since been a continuous force to be reckoned with. As Miss Hispanidad NC 2017, working closely with the Black and Latin HIV community, she has earned the title of the Latinx Barbie of the Triangle, spanning all 3 major NC counties, Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Naomi Dix is the Host, Director and Producer of one of North Carolina's largest Drag Productions at the famous Cat's Cradle Music Hall "Drag Queens are Coming." She also is the host of Acme Food & Beverage Brunch show, as well as show Producer Director and host of "DRAG! A Concert Experience" at Motorco Music Hall. Focusing her attention on creating and facilitating consent-focused spaces within the local Black, Brown and Queer community, Naomi Dix continues to provide support for her community through her advocacy work and the Art of Drag. You can connect with Naomi Dix on Instagram, via email naomidixhoc@gmail.com, or on the web https://naomidix.com/. 
Onya Nerves:  not your typical transplant to the south, she's a single mom of 5 drag kids who works her jobs to make the Charlotte drag scene a more accepting and visible place. You can catch her at a brewery just about every night of the week or you can get her attention by following her at@onyaofficial or @dkoentertainment for her specific whereabouts! 
Thank you for listening! I couldn't do this without two amazing collaborators! Thank you to Corey Claxton for mixing down and editing each episode to perfection. You can connect with Corey on Instagram and via email coreyclaxton@gmail.com. Thank you to Joey Collins for the original music you hear in each episode. You can connect with Joey on Instagram and Soundcloud! 

7. The High Value Man vs. Low Value Man with Jacob Lucas

On the show today, we'll be talking with Jacob Lucas all about the high value man/self aware man vs. low value man/ego man!
We open the episode with a discussion on the social dynamics of dating (really interesting!) and I ask if these social dynamics are particular to hetero dating or can they extend to queer dating, as well?
Then, we get into the high value/self aware man and low value/ego man. What are the traits and qualities of each archetype? How do they date? What types of dating behaviors do each exemplify? How can you spot them? Are you maybe with a high value or low value man right now?
After the main interview, "Ask the Flirt Coach" is back and we'll hear from a listener about whether they might be coming on too strong early on? What does that look like, any way? If you feel you move fast with a new connection, how can you slow things down a bit? You know I got you!
The conversation continues on Swell with bonus clips, extended interviews, and more! After each episode, head on over to Swell and let's keep flirting! In the bonus clip for this episode, I asked Jacob, where can we meet the high value man? Hear his response on Swell:  https://www.swellcast.com/BenjaminCamras
Then, join me on Flirtstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/benjamincamras/
And Flirttok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@benjamincamras
Check out my Flirt Coach offers:  https://stan.store/benjamincamras
About our guest:  Jacob Lucas is a professional dating coach and author from the UK. Jacob favours a more psychological, analytical approach to dating and has great success in educating many people on how to be successful in their dating lives. In addition to helping people find love, Jacob has worked with global brands, news publications and dating apps giving expert dating and relationship advice. 
You can connect with Jacob on the internet on his fantastic Instagram page, on TikTok, or via his website. You can also reach Jacob via email, contact@jacoblucas101.com.
Thank you for listening! I couldn't do this without two amazing collaborators! Thank you to Corey Claxton for mixing down and editing each episode to perfection. You can connect with Corey on Instagram and via email coreyclaxton@gmail.com. Thank you to Joey Collins for the original music you hear in each episode. You can connect with Joey on Instagram and Soundcloud! 
 

6. I'm Coming Out! A Thrice Tale of Discovering Queer Identity

Celebration of Pride month continues on Flirtations with the "Coming Out" episode!
I've got not one, not two, but THREE coming out stories for you as we explore themes of queer identify, gender norms, compulsory heterosexuality, self acceptance, queer dating (of course!), finding community, and MORE!
If you are perhaps feeling lost in figuring out your sexuality and who/how you want to date, I highly encourage you to check out the episode!
Or maybe you know a friend or family member looking for guidance through this process of discovery and acceptance, I hope you'll share this one with them!
If you're an ally and wanna hear what it's like to come out, this is the one to listen to!
Finally, let's say you're reading this and are like, Benjamin, I'm here and queer, been out! I'm sure you'll still be able to relate to the stories shared, just like I did!
The conversation continues on Swell with bonus clips, extended interviews, and more! After each episode, head on over to Swell and let's keep flirting:  https://www.swellcast.com/BenjaminCamras
Then, join me on Flirtstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/benjamincamras/
And Flirttok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@benjamincamras
Check out my Flirt Coach offers:  https://stan.store/benjamincamras
About our guests:  three of Stonewall Sports finest are on the show. I was beyond happy to talk with Jordan Johnson, K (wishes to remain anonymous), and Gracie Rodgers.
Jordan is a dog mom to an adorable Beagle, Lemon, a daughter and sister, earring designer, photographer, social media strategist, and fabulous friend, just to name a few things!
K wishes to share that they "are cool, fun, sexy, and a great flirt!"
Gracie (all pronouns) is an artist, educator, and LGBTQ community leader in Greensboro, NC.  They identify as queer and genderfluid.  Gracie is involved in organizations such as Stonewall (where they met Benjamin), Out at the Movies, Triad Pride Performing Arts, and the Carolina Aging Alliance. Gracie is passionate about queer storytelling and reconnecting with older generations in the LGBTQ community.  Connect with Gracie on Instagram @FreetobeGracie.
For more information on Stonewall Sports, please check out their website: Stonewall Sports Nationals. For local resources and support, please Google or do an internet search for "lgbt life center near me" or "lgbt resource center near me" to find organizations nearest your location. To access the national lgbt hotline and find a directory of resources, please visit the LGBT National Help Center website.
Thank you for listening! I couldn't do this without two amazing collaborators! Thank you to Corey Claxton for mixing down and editing each episode to perfection. You can connect with Corey on Instagram and via email coreyclaxton@gmail.com. Thank you to Joey Collins for the original music you hear in each episode. You can connect with Joey on Instagram and Soundcloud! 

5. Strutting into Main Character Energy and Decentering Men with Star Monroe

On the show today is none other than Star Monroe! We've got an incredible conversation about how to embrace - strut! - into main character energy (and what the truly means), as well as how to decenter men and center your fine self! 
A few topics discussed include internal vs. external validation, seeing the world through the male gaze, what happens to the ego during times of self doubt, the importance of embodying healing (and how to do it), the truth about authenticity, and more.
After the main interview, the mics stayed hot once more and the Flirt Coach ... got coached! You don't wanna miss this moment.
Then for the second segment of this episode, I've got a meditation for you on cultivating inner confidence that pairs perfectly with Star's interview. You can listen to it driving, but at least pull over to do the practice!  😂
The conversation then continues on Swell with bonus clips, extended interviews, and more! After each episode, head on over to Swell and let's keep flirting! In the bonus clip for this episode, we've got more on Star's story:   https://www.swellcast.com/BenjaminCamras
Then, join me on Flirtstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/benjamincamras/
And Flirttok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@benjamincamras
Check out my Flirt Coach offers:  https://stan.store/benjamincamras
About our guest: Star Monroe, a licensed psychotherapist and master life coach, is dedicated to supporting ambitious, successful women over 50 who refuse to settle. She champions women to demand more from themselves before seeking it from the world. Her mission is clear: inspire women to take exceptional care of their mind, body, soul, and dreams, and decenter men to lead a life of excellence. Become fiercely assertive and unapologetically confident with Star Monroe’s guidance, embracing the ethos of The High Standards Woman to Live A Life of Excellence.
Thank you for listening! I couldn't do this without two amazing collaborators! Thank you to Corey Claxton for mixing down and editing each episode to perfection. You can connect with Corey on Instagram and via email coreyclaxton@gmail.com. Thank you to Joey Collins for the original music you hear in each episode. You can connect with Joey on Instagram and Soundcloud! 

4. A Cosmically Queer Love Story with Coach Coco and Farmer Pepe

On this special BONUS episode of Flirtations, I sat down with two guys I can't wait for you to meet! In honor and celebration of Pride month, we've got a queer love story today, y'all. Cosmically queer! From becoming each other's first ever boyfriends to moving to the cloud forests of Costa Rica to become farmers, let's get ready to hop on the flirt-train (choo! choo!) of looooove. 💗
The conversation continues on Swell with bonus clips, extended interviews, and more! After each episode, head on over to Swell and let's keep flirting! In the bonus clip for this episode, I ask Coach Coco and Farmer Pepe for their five best dating tips! Hear their response on Swell:  https://www.swellcast.com/BenjaminCamras
Then, join me on Flirtstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/benjamincamras/
And Flirttok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@benjamincamras
Check out my Flirt Coach offers:  https://stan.store/benjamincamras
About our guests, Pepe and Coco's love story (in their own words):  Before meeting, Pepe and I already knew that we weren’t here just to **** around, make babies, play by the rules, meet societal expectations or have impressive careers. Our souls were reaching out to each other for something deeper…something COSMIC…
When our paths finally lead us to the same place, our auric fields were close enough, and we were both sending out the magnetic signals that we were open & ready to meet, we did! It was the most profound, mind-blowing, heart-exploding, psychedelic experience of our lives - clearly WAY more than a crush. Although our feet didn’t touch the ground for at least a year, we had an inner Knowing that this was an extremely special & important connection like none other. We felt (and even remembered at times) that our souls had manifested and found each other through different forms over many different lifetimes, and that in this incarnation we would help each other move to Costa Rica…and continue to help each other peel back layers of conditioning & trauma, realize our dreams, and reach our highest potential. 
Now that we are here, we are definitely going through a tough chapter, but we have no idea what we would be doing if we weren’t together helping each other to figure our shit out (and have fun and amazing sex along the way)! The challenges we’re facing individually and as a dynamic duo are part of life’s curriculum - the cosmic plan - and we are down for the ride. This is the soulmate path!
Please connect with Coach Coco and Farmer Pepe individually, or check out their joint account, Tropical Farm Boys.

3. Your Yasss Era and Embracing Singledom! with Julia Mazur

It's your YASSS era, flirty! On this episode of Flirtations, I sat down with Julia Mazur of the Pretty Much Done podcast to talk about embracing singledom and stepping into a mindset of YES.
Whether you're single and dating, or taking a dating break, we explore letting go of societal expectations and talk strategies for developing a stronger relationship with the one person you'll be with your whole life - yourself!
A few of the themes covered are internal vs. external validation, loneliness vs. being alone, what self love truly is (and how to practice it), the role of boundaries, and more.
And for the flirties dating, we got you! In this episode you'll also find dating strategies for meeting people in real life as we say YAS to the people, places, and things that serve us and HELL NO to what does not! Are you ready for your YASSS era?!
After the interview, stay tuned as I welcome fellow Trader Joe's crew member Susan onto the show to share a dating ... debacle? It's dating story time on Flirtations! Maybe you've had a similar experience before?
The conversation continues on Swell with bonus clips, extended interviews, and more! After each episode, head on over to Swell and let's keep flirting! In the bonus clip for this episode, I ask Julia about how do you start dating after getting out of a looooong term relationship? Hear her response on Swell:  https://www.swellcast.com/BenjaminCamras
 
Finally, join me on Flirtstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/benjamincamras/
And Flirttok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@benjamincamras
 
About our guest:  Julia Mazur has quickly become the most prominent voice on the internet for celebrating singlehood. At 30 years old, Julia went viral for showcasing a day in her life as a single woman with no kids, soon igniting a larger conversation on the societal expectations placed on women by family, religion, work culture and more. Thousands of women soon flooded Julia’s DMs with their own stories on how they live life on their own terms and timeline and praised her for unapologetically representing their story.
Previously a longtime Tinder employee, Julia has ample experience in the dating field both personally and professionally. Countless bad dates and blocked numbers led her to decide to stop settling and enjoy the in between. Julia’s content focuses on celebrating singlehood and the freedom and power that comes with it - the joys of living alone, going on solo dates, sleeping in on the weekends and choosing yourself first.
Julia is the host of the popular Pretty Much Done podcast where she welcomes experts, authors and celebrities who have experienced love and love loss and who are pretty much done settling for anything less than what they deserve. Julia currently resides in Austin, TX and is happily single.
 
Thank you for listening! I couldn't do this without two amazing collaborators! Thank you to Corey Claxton for mixing down and editing each episode to perfection. You can connect with Corey on Instagram and via email coreyclaxton@gmail.com. Thank you to Joey Collins for the original music you hear in each episode. You can connect with Joey on Instagram and Soundcloud!