Date, Affirm, The Real

Date, Affirm, The Real

Date, Affirm, The Real (DAR) is a group created to discuss healthy relationship with self, in dating relationship and marriage. The group focuses heavily on black healthy relationships. Our focus is on healthy, healing, positive and affirming love. The discussions range from topics related to all things self-love and healthy relationships.

Episodes

June 11, 2025 61 mins

Ever feel like dating today is just a big multiple choice test — pick from what's left and hope it's right? In this episode of Date, Affirm, the Real, Keya and Shimeka explore how we choose our partners: Are we truly manifesting and affirming what we want, or settling and filling in the blanks? For men and women, it’s time to check in on those non-negotiables.#BlackLove #DatingStandards #RelationshipTalk #AffirmYourWorth

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In this episode of Date, Affirm, the Real Podcast, hosts Marcus and Don dive deep into the heart of modern dating with "The Prize and the Pursuer: Analyzing Current Dating Dynamics."Is it okay for both men and women to chase? Or does that signal imbalance and potential failure from the start? We’re unpacking the raw truths, emotional stakes, and outdated norms surrounding pursuit and value in today’s dating scene. Get ready for unf...

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Can love truly thrive when pain from the past still lingers? In this eye-opening episode of Date, Affirm, the Real, Keya McClain the Poet and Shimeka the DAR Therapist dive deep into the emotional baggage we carry into relationships. From silent resentment to unresolved heartbreak, learn how holding on can hold you back from the love you deserve.Let’s get real about healing.

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May 22, 2025 65 mins

What the hell is Black Love, really? In this episode of Date, Affirm, the Real, Marcus and Don sit down to unpack what Black Love means to them — the beauty, the struggle, the stereotypes, and the questions around whether it's something only African Americans can truly understand. This is a real, honest convo about love, culture, and connection from two Black men keeping it all the way real.#BlackLove #DateAffirmTheReal #RealTa...

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May 16, 2025 62 mins

Dating with an open mind and intent means being honest and wanting the best for you and those you encounter. You may find them attractive and really nice, however they are not for you and you have the right person in mind. No spark here but a flame is waiting for you. Are you open to it??

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Traditional marriage often comes with the expectation of sharing a home, but what if that’s not the only way? In this episode, we’re diving into the concept of married couples living in separate homes—by choice.Could having your own space strengthen the relationship rather than weaken it? Does distance truly make the heart grow fonder, or does it create disconnection? We’ll explore:🔥 The reasons couples choose to live separately🔥...

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"She needed me to hear her… I just wanted to fix it."On this episode of Date, Affirm, the Real, Marcus Goodwin and Don (Jr. Lily) break down the masculine instinct to leap into action—and how it can silently sabotage emotional connection. Is quick action a strength or a smokescreen? We’re talking about how listening, not fixing, is the real power move in love.

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In this episode of Date, Affirm, the Real, Marcus Goodwin and Don (Jr. Lily) get real about the way men and women often handle emotions differently. They dive into the idea that men tend to have "waffle minds," where thoughts and feelings are kept in neat little boxes, while women often have "spaghetti hearts," where emotions are all connected and flowing together.Marcus and Don open up about their own experienc...

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May 10, 2025 92 mins

LIVE from El Jefe Cigar Lounge in Dallas, TX! Join all four hosts of Date, Affirm, the Real for a powerful episode titled "Stop Popping the Balloons." We’re breaking down the “balloon popping” concept and digging deep into the real issues behind today’s dating struggles. What are we doing wrong—and how can we shift our mindset to build better relationships and find lasting love? Don’t miss this honest, unfiltered conversa...

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May 10, 2025 53 mins

In this episode of Date Affirmed The Real, Marcus Goodwin and Don Jr. Lily sit down to talk about what it really means to celebrate your partner — and yourself. It's easy to get caught up in everyday life, but taking the time to appreciate each other can make all the difference in building stronger love, deeper connection, and real happiness. We're also diving into why celebrating yourself is just as important for keeping your rela...

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May 10, 2025 67 mins

Healthy Love Celebrations

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Are traditional gender roles still relevant when dating with the intention of finding your life partner? In this episode of Date, Affirm, the Real, Marcus Goodwin and Don (Jr. Lily) go into the evolving dynamics of gender roles in dating and relationships. They discuss shifting expectations, personalexperiences, and what truly matters when building a lasting partnership. Tune in for real talk, fresh perspectives, and unfiltered con...

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We’ve all heard the phrase, "Stick with the devil you know rather than the devil you don’t." But when it comes to relationships, is settling for the familiar—despite its flaws—really better than waiting for the right partner?


In this episode, we dive deep into the mindset of staying in unfulfilling relationships out of fear, comfort, or history versus having the patience and faith to wait for a love that aligns with yo...

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February 26, 2025 71 mins

"Ever wonder why we chase relationships? Is it love, companionship, or something else? On this episode of *Date, Affirm, the Real*, hosts Marcus Goodwin and Don aka Jr. Lily get real about what drives us to seek connection. They dive into the messy, beautiful reasons behind our search for love—whether it’s to fill a void, find a partner, or just feel less alone. Tune in for a raw, relatable conversation you won’t want to miss. ❤️

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February 12, 2025 67 mins

In this raw and unfiltered episode, we’re diving deep into a harsh reality—the ways men’s actions reveal they don’t actually like women. From lying and shaming to cheating and withholding love, we’re unpacking the behaviors that scream disdain, not devotion.

How does a man claim to love a woman yet publicly humiliate her? Why do some men speak so negatively about women—even their own wives—for the world to hear? And why are so many ...

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January 15, 2025 62 mins

Join hosts Keya McClain the Poet and Shimeka the DAR Therapist as they discuss how love and relationships are evolving in 2025. In this episode, we explore the shift towards authentic connections, the end of love bombing, embracing what you truly want, and navigating changing social norms. Don’t miss this delightful conversation on building lasting, genuine relationships in the modern age!
#AuthenticLove 
#Relationships2025 
#Modern...

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Join Marcus Goodwin and Don (Jr. Lily) as they dive into the dynamics of communication in relationships. In this episode of "Date, Affirm, the Real Podcast," we explore the difference between listening and fixing, and what women truly need during tough conversations. Learn how to foster deeper connections and improve your communication skills. Don’t miss this insightful discussion!

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In this episode of *Date, Affirm, the Real Podcast*, Marcus Goodwin and Don (Jr. Lily) explore the typical challenges and deeper issues that men encounter in relationships. From the fear of being vulnerable to uncertainties about commitment and dealing with personal insecurities, they discuss what prevents men from forming meaningful connections. Tune in for an honest discussion about the obstacles that can turn love into just anot...

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November 11, 2024 67 mins

Breakup is never easy, and having the right person by your side makes all the difference in your healing. What if you choose the wrong person to lean on? In this episode, Keya McClain the Poet and Shimeka the DAR Therapist go through the proper choice of support after a breakup, as well as the likely effects of choosing the wrong one. They are going to talk about everything from deeper emotional pain, setbacks in healing, and what ...

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Is sacrifice a requirement for love, or is there a healthier way to create balance in relationships? Join hosts Marcus Goodwin and Don (Jr. Lily) as they explore what it really means to give and receive in love. They’ll get real about how much compromise is too much and whether love should always come with a sacrifice

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