Smart Dating Academy - The Podcast

Smart Dating Academy - The Podcast

Smart Dating Academy helps busy, successful professionals to jump start their dating lives. We have a results-oriented, fun 8 step process - which transforms you into a better dater - helping you find "the one". This podcast is meant to help you put more love in to your life, and more life in to your love

Episodes

October 19, 2025 46 mins
ating fatigue is something almost every single one of us has felt at some point.  Maybe you've been dating for what feels like a century -- maybe you're exhausted by the dating apps (which can feel like "Human EBay"), endless small talk, or the emotional ups and downs of trying to find “your person"; if so this episode is for you! Bela Gandhi sits down with Smart Dating Academy coach Ilene Collins to unpack one of the most com...
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    Dating doesn’t have to feel like the awkward lunchroom of middle school — and in this episode, we’re showing you exactly how to leave that behind. I’m joined by our very own Smart Dating Academy coach, Kathy Citera, who brings her trademark humor, wisdom, and lived experience to the table.

    Kathy knows firsthand what it’s like to re-enter the dating world — she candidly shares her journey from post-divorce dating at 50...
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    September 21, 2025 38 mins
    What if the love you’ve been waiting for isn’t about luck, but about alignment?

    In this episode of the Smart Dating Academy Podcast, I’m joined by therapist Jaime Bronstein. With over 20 years of experience, Jaime has helped countless singles heal and grow!

    We break down why manifesting love is not about magical thinking—it’s about shifting your mindset, trusting your intuition, and clearing out the fears tha...
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    What happens when you stop putting pressure on every date and start living like “Vacation You”? For Colleen, it changed everything.

    In this episode of the Smart Dating Academy Podcast, I sit down with Colleen Sarihan, whose journey is a reminder that love can show up when you least expect it—and often in the most magical ways.

    Colleen first heard me speak at a women’s networking event (hosted by my good...
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    Ready to finally understand the cosmic blueprint of your love life? In this episode of The Smart Dating Academy Podcast, Bela sits down with celebrity Vedic astrologer and relationship coach Carol Allen to reveal how ancient astrology meets modern relationship science—helping you find (and keep) the love you deserve.  

    Blending the ancient wisdom of Vedic astrology with modern relationship research, Carol reveal...
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    Have you ever had that gut feeling about someone—but ignored it? Or maybe you felt a deep soul pull toward someone who later broke your heart? If so, this episode is for you.

    In this soulful and eye-opening conversation, Bela sits down with Nikki Novo, a bestselling author, proud Cuban-American, and master intuitive who’s known for helping people create purpose-driven lives by reconnecting with their inner knowing. Ni...
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    I’m so excited to share this week’s powerful story, featuring a journey of resilience, radical self-growth, and finding remarkable love later in life. In this unforgettable episode, you’ll meet our client Shari—a vibrant, creative powerhouse who, after divorce and two breakups with the same man, rewrote her love story at 64.

    Yes, you read that right. Three chapters. One love. Two rounds with Smart Dating Academy.  And...
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    We’ve all been there—betrayed, blindsided, or just broken open by love gone wrong. But what if your biggest heartbreak could lead you to your biggest breakthrough?

    In this rich, soul-stirring conversation, Bela sits down with Arielle Ford—bestselling author, spiritual teacher, and modern-day love alchemist—to talk about her first novel, The Love Thief. Part spiritual romance, part thriller, this story takes readers on...
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    💌 Ghosting, Modern Dating & Advice You Actually Need with Meredith Goldstein

    Let’s face it—dating in the digital age is a wild ride. One minute you’re vibing in the DMs, the next… they vanish into thin air. If you’ve ever wished for a wise older sister (with a killer sense of humor) to decode modern love for you, this episode is it.

    In this honest, hilarious, and totally validating convo, I sit down with...
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    What if flirting wasn’t awkward, dating didn’t feel like a second job, and attracting love could be playful and powerful?

    In this episode of the Smart Dating Academy Podcast, I sit down with the dazzling Lauren Frances, and let me tell you—she brings the magic. From the moment she opens her mouth, you’ll understand why she’s been dubbed The Flirt Fairy by Victoria’s Secret and The Doctor of Love by EXTRA. Lauren knows...
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    If you’re done with surface-level situationships and ready for soul-stirring, conscious connection—this one’s for you. ✨

    In this episode, I sit down with internationally recognized dating and relationship coach Angela Nicole Holton for a heart-opening, no-fluff conversation about what it really takes to attract lasting, authentic love.

    Angela was named one of Yahoo’s Top 10 Relationship Coaches of 2020 and is...
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    Let’s face it—first dates can be awkward. You’re sitting across from someone new, trying to figure out if there’s a spark… while also wondering what the heck to say next. Sound familiar?

    In this juicy episode of the Smart Dating Academy Podcast, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Jess Carbino—often dubbed “the Dr. Ruth of the Swipe Right generation.” With a resume that includes time as the in-house sociologist at Tind...
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    Let’s be real—dating at any phase can feel like walking a conversational tightrope. How much is too much? What’s not enough?  When should I ask?  What do I say if they ask me about something that I don't want to talk about?  And how do you strike that magical balance between showing up as your radiant, authentic self and still being curious, fun, and engaging?

    In Part 2 of our juicy conversation, I’m back with the bri...
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    Ever wonder what makes a truly great date, and what are the best questions to ask (and how)? In this must-listen episode (part 1 of 2), the brilliant and longstanding Smart Dating Academy coach Lindsay Anderson and I sit down to break down the art of dating with confidence, ease, and authenticity. If you’ve ever felt awkward on a date, struggled with what to say or what to ask, or worried about making a lasting impression, thi...
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    Ever ignored a red flag 🚩, hoping it would go away? Or felt blindsided by betrayal? You’re not alone—and it’s time to get real about why we sometimes lie to ourselves in relationships.

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jane Greer, a renowned marriage and family therapist, psychotherapist, and author of Am I Lying to Myself? How to Overcome Denial and See the Truth. With decades of experience helping people navigat...
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    Ever feel like you're giving too much in relationships—and getting little in return? Or struggling to communicate what you truly need? You’re not alone.

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Henry Cloud, a world-renowned clinical psychologist, leadership expert, and New York Times bestselling author of Boundaries—a book that has transformed the way millions navigate relationships. With over 20 million copies of his boo...
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    What if you could transform your dating life with just a few mindset shifts and practical strategies?

    In this episode, I sit down with Nichole Farrow, a renowned relationship coach with over a decade of experience helping singles and couples navigate love with confidence. As a resident expert on BBC 5 Live, Nichole has guided countless people in strengthening their relationships—starting with the most important one: t...
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    In this heart-opening episode, I sit down with the incredible Shelley J Whitehead—a highly sought-after relationship coach who has spent decades helping people heal from heartbreak, refine their relationship skills, and build the love lives they truly deserve.
    We talked about:

    • How to move forward after heartbreak—the key mindset shifts that will help you heal and open your heart again.

    • Br...
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    In this captivating episode, I sit down with the incredible Sara Jane Ho—an international etiquette expert, Emmy-nominated host of Netflix’s Mind Your Manners, and author of the book of the same name. 

    From her early days in Hong Kong to earning degrees from Exeter, Georgetown, and Harvard Business School, Sara brings a wealth of wisdom and charm to the table. Together, we dive into the art of dating with grace, confi...
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    In this electrifying episode, I sit down with the brilliant Alison Fragale—a professor, distinguished scholar of organizational behavior at UNC Chapel Hill, and the powerhouse author behind the transformative book Likable Badass. Alison brings her sharp insights and relatable wisdom to help us understand the delicate balance between being liked and being respected, and how we can do BOTH to maximize results in personal and pro...
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