Podcasts about bfe

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, Fernie is back on the show as we celebrate the change of seasons with something a little magical — it's the autumnal equinox dating horoscope! Fernie, an astrologer, mystic, and guide to all things cosmic and flirty, is here to help us navigate this shift and together, we'll explore what dating and flirting vibes you can anticipate this fall. The equinox is all about balance — and it's the perfect time to think about how we can bring that same harmony into our dating lives. We'll talk about letting go of old patterns, why overthinking is sabotaging the vibe, and even get a flirty little mantra to carry us through this season. The knight of swords also makes a visit, we'll hear what virgo and libra have to say about things, why October 13th needs to be on your calendar, and finally Venus and Mars enter the chat! So, how can we play and flirt with all of these energies this coming season? Stay tuned (and maybe grab a pumpkin spice latte!) and let's see what the cosmos have in store for love this fall. You can also watch the full episode on YouTube! Let's get into it, Flirties, and meet Fernie! 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! Work with me! Take the FREE Flirt Styles Quiz Get INSTANT ACCESS to my anti-anxiety flirting and dating guide Download my FLIRTING AND TEXTING CONVERSATION GUIDE Grab my FREE Dating App Survival handbook Book your 1:1 Flirting Audit Ask the Flirt Coach About our guest:  Fernie Salinas (he/they) is a queer Latinx fortune telling witch from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas.  They are the owner and founder of Golden Mirror Fortunes, and they hope to be Your Favorite Fortune Teller! They grew up always knowing that magic was around us, as their great-grandfather and his son, their grand-uncle, were both curanderos (folk healers) in Rio Grande City, and it's been such a delight to have Golden Mirror Fortunes carry on the legacy of healing and mysticism they instilled in him. He's also an educator — he went to Rice University, studied English and Art History, got their teacher's certification, joined TFA, and have been a teacher and principal at various schools in the RGV.  He is currently an education consultant as well as running Golden Mirror Fortunes, their small fortune telling business.  He uses tarot and magic to help people heal and find their paths, all in service of improving their fortunes.  His deepest desire is to provide you with the light that you need to make your life a little more magical and glittery. Follow them on Instagram and let them be your favorite fortune teller! 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, Men's Health, and Yoga Journal. You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, watch on YouTube, and stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

It's a BRAND NEW Flirtini! This one is all multi-dating! Here's what you can expect:   ➡️ What is multi-dating and how to do it. ➡️ How multi-dating is different from roster dating. ➡️ The two multi-dating traps (and how to avoid them). ➡️ Examples of timelines in multi-dating (how many people do you date and for how long?). ➡️ How to deal with comparing people you date (and getting stuck in overthinking!) ➡️  Pros/cons to multi-dating (and how to know if it's right for you). ➡️  Whether or not I multi-date (and why!).  

“Do you feel lucky, punk?” Join Ian, Megs & Liam for our 296th episode as we prowl the streets of San Francisco, badge in one hand and .44 Magnum in the other, for a look at Clint Eastwood's career-defining role in Dirty Harry (1971). A killer on the loose, a cop who won't play by the rules, and a city hanging in the balance—this episode asks all the right questions, even if Harry never bothers to. It's cops, criminals, and constitutional crises in our 296th episode as we ask: Yes, Dirty Harry is cool—but do women actually like this film? What's with all the nudity, and how much of it serves the story? Why does Scorpio do anything he does—and why does his logic (or lack thereof) drive us mad? How has Harry never learned what actually invalidates evidence or a confession? Law 101, Callahan! Why does the mayor keep calling him like he's on speed dial for bad PR? How deaf is the kid doing the fishing? And how long would it take for him to notice what's going on behind him? Why is Scorpio so disparate in his understanding of the value of hostages—demanding one thing one moment, then undercutting himself the next? Why doesn't the SFPD sit Harry home when he's framed on regional television? What exactly does the ending mean—resignation, rebellion, or just Eastwood being Eastwood? Which line from the film is one of the most misquoted in television history? We share some thoughts on the Charlie Kirk shooting and the public's reaction to it - are we losing our humanity? And finally: when exactly does DNA evidence become a thing—and how would it have changed the whole movie? Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

Flirties, today we're diving into a concept that can truly transform the way you date: detachment. Not the kind where you shut down or stop caring, but the kind where you finally stop tying your worth to someone else or external circumstances. Joining us for this conversation is Sabrina Bendory, a dating and relationship expert, host of the You Will Be OK podcast, and author of the powerful new book Detached: How to Let Go, Heal, and Become Irresistible. Inside the episode, we'll explore what detachment really means and how to practice it in dating and relationships. We'll get into the differences between self confidence, self worth, and self esteem, how to detach from the timing of things, ways to practice acceptance, the reasons so many of us over-attach in dating, and ultimately how we can become irresistible by being ourselves. So, if you've ever found yourself spiraling over “What did that text mean?” or felt like your entire worth depends on whether someone chooses you, this episode is for you.  Let's do this Flirties, and meet Sabrina! 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! ⬇️ Work with me! ⬇️ Take the FREE Flirt Styles Quiz Get INSTANT ACCESS to my anti-anxiety flirting and dating guide Download my FLIRTING AND TEXTING CONVERSATION GUIDE Grab my FREE Dating App Survival handbook Book your 1:1 Flirting Audit Ask the Flirt Coach About our guest:  Sabrina Bendory is a writer, relationship expert, and coach who specializes in helping people build unshakable self-worth, break unhealthy patterns, and attract the love they deserve. Her work blends psychological insight with real-world tools, empowering readers to heal from past wounds and create healthy, fulfilling relationships. Sabrina is the author of several best-selling books and guides on dating, detachment, and emotional resilience. Her work has been featured in top publications, including Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Women's Health, Newsweek, NY Post, and more.  Through her writing, courses, and private coaching, Sabrina has helped thousands of people stop chasing love and start attracting it by becoming their most grounded, magnetic selves. You can follow Sabrina Bendory on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube @sabrinabendory. Learn more and get your copy of Detached! 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, Men's Health, and Yoga Journal. You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, watch on YouTube, and stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we're diving into the world of polyamory with Leanne Yau!  Leanne is an award-winning polyamory educator and through her platform PolyPhilia, she creates educational and entertaining content to help people navigate non-monogamous relationships with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Inside the episode, we'll get into what polyamory is (and isn't), the biggest myths that surround it, what monogamous daters could learn from polyamorists, and how to take the first steps if you're poly-curious.  We'll explore frameworks like the relationship escalator and relationship anarchy, the different types of polyamory, and cover dating essentials like communication, boundaries, and even jealousy! But that's not all, we answer some of your top questions like when do I tell someone I'm polyamorous, what if I don't have much experience, but am dating someone who does, and how do I know if polyamory is right for me? Whether you're new to polyamory or just curious, this conversation will give you insights and tools to approach dating and relationships with more ease. Alright Flirties, let's do this, and meet Leanne! 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! Work with me! Take the FREE Flirt Styles Quiz Get INSTANT ACCESS to my anti-anxiety flirting and dating guide Download my FLIRTING AND TEXTING CONVERSATION GUIDE Grab my FREE Dating App Survival handbook Book your 1:1 Flirting Audit Ask the Flirt Coach About our guest:  Leanne Yau is a British award-winning polyamory educator, writer, speaker, certified sex and relationships educator, and trainee psychosexual therapist whose work is all about non-monogamy and sex positivity. She creates educational and entertaining multimedia content about creating healthy and sustainable non-monogamous relationships, drawing from her lived experiences as a polyamorous, bisexual, neurodivergent, kinky, and Asian agender femme who has been openly non-monogamous since 2016. Since 2020, Leanne has connected with millions across the globe through her social media posts, online and in-person talks, workshops, panels, and lectures, in the media, and her private non-monogamous peer support sessions. She also writes ‘A Polyamorous Perspective', a polyamory advice column at Gay Times. Leanne was named in ‘15 LGBTQ+ Educators Who Took Instagram Infotainment To The Next Level' (Buzzfeed, 2021), '10 Polyamory Experts to Follow on TikTok' (Cosmopolitan, 2022), and ‘60 Top Influencers Who Are Actually Worth the Follow' (Men's Health, 2023). She holds a Special Recognition and Appreciation Award for her contributions to the non-monogamous community (The Panel ENM, 2021), and was nominated for Sex and Relationships Creator of the Year (BCreator, 2024). Follow Leanne on Instagram Book a Peer Support Session Join Leanne on Discord YouTube, Other Socials + Offers/Coaching 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, Men's Health, and Yoga Journal. You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, watch on YouTube, and stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

It's a BRAND NEW Flirtini! This one all about expressing interest in dating and here's what you can expect:   ➡️ How to express interest in dating and why this matters! ➡️ What does expressing interest have to do with someone's emotional availability? ➡️ How showing interest will help you attract higher quality connections and dates. ➡️ What you can do when the nerves or thoughts of being “too much” take over. ➡️ How you can attain clarity on where someone stands if you're unsure if they're interested. ➡️ Why showing interest will help you make dating less about the chase and more about connection!  

“This gun says you live, this gun says you die.”  Join Ian & Liam for our 295th episode as we step into Tarantino's world of money drops, double-crosses, and smooth soul soundtracks with Jackie Brown (1997). Kev? He's running a cash pickup at the mall but got distracted by an Orange Julius. Megs? She's busy cutting a deal with Ordell Robbie that may or may not involve a new handbag. But don't worry—we're not flying solo. We're joined by BFF of the BFE: Shai Bergerfroind, who slipped us a cassette tape of Delfonics tunes and insisted this was the Tarantino film to talk about. This week we discuss: How Jackie Brown might be Tarantino's most mature film—and why it doesn't get the same love as Pulp Fiction. Pam Grier's powerhouse performance: is this one of the greatest star comebacks in cinema history? Robert De Niro as the quietest ex-con ever—and how a single scene changes everything. Samuel L. Jackson's Ordell: terrifying or hilarious, or both at once? Is this the most “realistic” Tarantino film? And does that make it better or just slower? Ian and Liam debate whether this film is about survival, romance, or just getting by. Shai drops in to explain why the soundtrack is the real star of the film (and why he's been humming Delfonics all week). Which scenes had us holding our breath—and which ones could've been trimmed. Why Max Cherry might be Tarantino's most underrated character—and how Robert Forster's quiet dignity steals the show. And finally, whether Jackie Brown is the Best Film Ever—or just the coolest hangout movie you forgot you loved. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we're getting into one of the most confusing— and yet sometimes intoxicating—dating experiences out there: it's lovebombing.  You know that rush when someone comes on strong with over-the-top attention, affection, and promises? At first, it can feel magical—like you've finally found ‘the one.' But beneath the surface, lovebombing can be manipulative, destabilizing, and even harmful. To help us understand what lovebombing really is—and what it isn't— we're joined by Kelsey Wonderlin. Kelsey is a licensed therapist and dating coach who has worked with thousands of women to build healthier dating lives. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Time, and the Today Show, and today she's here to help us get to the root of why lovebombing happens, how we respond to it, and how we can tell the difference between genuine interest and manipulation. We'll talk about the red flags to look out for, how to recognize when we're lovebombing, how the spark plays into all of this, and the tools you can use to slow things down and stay focused on the connection without wasting your time. So, if you've ever wondered what the heck is lovebombing or you're looking for clarity around how this plays out in dating, this episode is for you! Alright Flirties, let's do this, and meet Kelsey! 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! Work with me! Take the FREE Flirt Styles Quiz Get INSTANT ACCESS to my anti-anxiety flirting and dating guide Download my FLIRTING AND TEXTING CONVERSATION GUIDE Grab my FREE Dating App Survival handbook Book your 1:1 Flirting Audit Ask the Flirt Coach About our guest:  "After facing challenges attracting the right man, self-love and maintaining a healthy relationship for years (even during my master's program!), I came to the realization that no one ever guides us in these areas. I was astonished by the lack of resources to learn how to attract and sustain a healthy relationship. Drawing upon my training as a licensed therapist, I took it upon myself to create the courses I needed for during my own dating journey. What initially started as a personal quest to overcome my own struggles has evolved into a comprehensive system that has assisted 1,000s of clients in fostering strong self-relationships and attracting the right healthy partner they desire." Follow me on Instagram, check out my website for trainings and coaching, and download the free dating app resource mentioned in the episode! 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, Men's Health, and Yoga Journal. You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, watch on YouTube, and stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

Are you ready for some (fantasy) football?  We're back with our Patrons once again and invited a returning special guest to join us to fill out the field  We've got your BFE favourites - Ian, Liam, KevDog, Georgia and Megs drafting live.  We're also joined live by some of the BFE Patreon personalities, adding to the merriment. It's a peak behind the curtain as you catch the BFE group just kicking it as we pretend we know what we're doing with Fantasy Football.  In between bites of Pizza and Chicken Nuggets we provide commentary on the picks by our absent drafters (Rev Bruce, Duane Smith, Kevin from The Podcast That Wouldn't Die, Stew from the SWO, Ryan Kuketz, Nate the Great, Juleen, Ensign Ian Davies, and Dirk - whether they're drafting remotely or letting the computer do the heavy lifting) There's pizza, banter, and a behind-the-scenes perspective that might help you know your BFE peeps a little bit better.

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Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we're diving into a topic that makes so many of us squirm—small talk.  Maybe you dread it, maybe you wonder what the point even is, or maybe you just want to know how to turn casual conversations into real connections. To help us out, we're joined by Dr. Connie Wang, a dentist, creator of the Just a Quick Pinch podcast, and known online as the Small Talk Doc! Dr. Wang has made it her mission to show that small talk isn't awkward filler—it's a learnable skill that can transform the way we date, flirt, and connect. In this episode, we'll explore how to shift your mindset around small talk, how to practice it in real life, and how to move from surface-level chatter to meaningful connection—without the pressure.  We'll talk about small talk as a skill, how we can boost conversational confidence, and the little cues that make you instantly more engaging. We'll share ways to create engaging small talks, how to open them, close them, and strategies for asking questions that lead to connection. So if you've ever wished small talk felt easier—or even fun—this one's for you.  Let's get into it Flirties, and meet Dr. Wang! 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! Work with me! Take the FREE Flirt Styles Quiz Get INSTANT ACCESS to my anti-anxiety flirting and dating guide Download my FLIRTING AND TEXTING CONVERSATION GUIDE Grab my FREE Dating App Survival handbook Book your 1:1 Flirting Audit Ask the Flirt Coach Dr. Connie Wang is a family dentist based out of Boston, Massachusetts! Prior to receiving her Doctorate of Dental Medicine, she received her Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Rhode Island. Her favorite degree of all however, is being a certified yapper. A self proclaimed personality hire & lover of all things communication, she is on a mission to make the world a little less lonely for each and every person. Her social media content on TikTok and Instagram (@drconniewang) focuses on harnessing the power of small talk to become the most connected, confident, and happiest version of you possible. When she isn't yapping about yapping, she is still yapping on her own podcast called Just A Quick Pinch - a podcast for young healthcare providers that shares both communication pearls and the weekly pop culture news for listeners to make small talk with patients and coworkers. And when she's not doing that she's probably "making returns" at TJMaxx and mysteriously ending up with another haul, to her husband and dog's surprise. Feel free to reach out on any platforms to connect, would love to chat about your communication/small talk/TJMaxx questions! Flirt Coach interview on Just a Quick Pinch 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, Men's Health, and Yoga Journal. You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, watch on YouTube, and stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

The Flirtinis are BACK and this one is all about "Tips for a First Date!" Here's what you can expect from this Flirtini: ➡️  First date communication (planning the date and confirming the date) ➡️  What you can wear and dating mindset ➡️  Where you can go/what you can do for a date ➡️  How you can greet each other ➡️  Conversation tips/what to talk about ➡️  Strategies for different scenarios (what if they don't ask any questions, what if they won't stop talking) ➡️  How you can explore compatibility ➡️  How you can end the date (maybe you want a second date or maybe you don't!)

“Sometimes your battles choose you.” Join Ian, Liam & Kevdog, alongside BFF of the BFE: Hermes Auslander, for our 294th episode as we head into the Rust Belt for gritty drama, family duty, and some Woody Harrelson menace with Out of the Furnace (2013). Megs? She's away this week on a last-minute trip to Sweden after answering a classified ad for ABBA's long-lost fifth member—working title: Mamma Mia 3: Megs Strikes Again. This week we discuss: It's a Hermes pick, so you know what that means—another therapy session on the pod. Find out when each of us stopped supporting Woody Harrelson (and for one of us, it's much later than you'd think). What's the difference between simply stating your opinion and actively trying to sway someone else's opinion? Someone forgets how time zones work in this one (and no, it's not just Hermes). What's the real measure of being a man: flashy success or the daily grind of quietly providing for your family? Is Zoe Saldana a much better actress than we gave her credit for—and is this her most underrated performance? Which scene impressed Ian the most with its cinematography—even though it was one of the hardest to watch. What exactly was going on with Willem Dafoe's character—and why can none of us pronounce the name correctly? What is the definition of working a double shift, and why do we all seem to have different answers? And finally, whether Out of the Furnace is the Best Film Ever—or just a quietly powerful entry in the blue-collar tragedy canon. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. Catch so much more of Hermes Auslander on The Scuttlebutt Podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-scuttlebutt-podcast/id1503504933 (Apple) or https://open.spotify.com/show/2n9CNB9X6QXnmvn78HBEoJ?si=1bf26c4a13cd4234 (Spotify)   We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we're talking values based dating with Kelsea Warren! Picture this:  you date based on timing, chemistry, or pressure—like friends settling down or feeling like you're running out of time.  While this can all be very real, what if dating wasn't about chasing a spark or checking boxes, and instead was about grounding yourself in your values? What if clarity on your values could not only help you choose a partner—but also prevent dating burnout, heartbreak, and the feeling of losing yourself in the process? To explore this, we're joined today by Kelsea Warren, back on the show! Kelsea helps individuals and businesses elevate wellbeing and prevent burnout by identifying and aligning with their core values and after this episode, I think values based dating just might be your next dating strategy. We'll talk about what dating values actually are, how they're different from surface-level preferences, and why getting clear on them can shift your entire approach to love. We'll explore how to bring values into the dating conversation without scaring someone off, and how to spot green flags that someone shares your values—even if they don't say it directly. So, whether you're new to dating, stuck in patterns that don't feel good anymore, or just craving more intentional connection, this episode will help you build relationships that align with who you are. Alright Flirties, let's do this, and meet Kelsea! 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! Work with me! Take the FREE Flirt Styles Quiz Get INSTANT ACCESS to my anti-anxiety flirting and dating guide Download my FLIRTING AND TEXTING CONVERSATION GUIDE Grab my FREE Dating App Survival handbook Book your 1:1 Flirting Audit Ask the Flirt Coach About our guest:  Kelsea Warren is a coach, consultant, and speaker who specializes in burnout prevention. She has a master's degree in social work and is approaching candidacy for a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. She is an expert in employee burnout and workplace values and uses that as the lens to help thousands of high achievers create and sustain aligned careers and organizations improve their employee experience. Kelsea has 6+ years of experience consulting and has worked with hundreds of businesses and employees to operationalize their values for wellbeing. Before that, she spent 8+ years in mental health and working as a clinical therapist. Kelsea has an organic audience of 150k+ across social platforms, which has landed her collaborations and keynotes with brands like Urban Decay, Cox Communications, Association for Talent Development, and University of Arizona. Kelsea is also an Air Force spouse of 12 years and a mom to 2 daughters. A gift from Kelsea! Make sure to grab your FREE resources!  Workplace Values Assessment & Wellbeing Audit Get to know your values with the FREE character strengths assessment:  https://www.viacharacter.org/. 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, Men's Health, and Yoga Journal. You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, watch on YouTube, and stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we're diving into a topic that I know many of you wonder about, but don't always say out loud:  friend crushes.  You know the feeling—when someone who started out as “just a friend” suddenly makes your heart race, or when you catch yourself asking: could we be more? To explore this fascinating—and sometimes complicated—dynamic, we're joined by human connection enthusiast and host of the Socially Delightful podcast, Jewel Hohman. Together, we'll explore everything from how to tell if a friend might like you back, to the best way to ask them out without making things weird.  We'll also get into some perhaps trickier questions—what if they don't feel the same, what if people gossip, what if it stirs jealousy in your friend group, or what happens if the relationship ends? But that's not all! We'll also look at platonic friend crushes (cuz those exist, too!), the role of vulnerability, the power of connection, why we should all be flirting a little bit more, and how we can do just that. So if you've ever had a friend crush—or maybe you're in the middle of one right now—this episode is for you.  Let's do this Flirties, and meet Jewel! 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! Work with me! Take the FREE Flirt Styles Quiz Get INSTANT ACCESS to my anti-anxiety flirting and dating guide Download my FLIRTING AND TEXTING CONVERSATION GUIDE Grab my FREE Dating App Survival handbook Book your 1:1 Flirting Audit Ask the Flirt Coach About our guest:  Jewel Hohman is a connection expert with a degree in psychology and a pending master's in social work, combining Evidence-Based Self Help and the latest friendship research to help women in their 20s and 30s to build friendships that actually nourish them. In a post-pandemic world, people are more disconnected and lonelier than ever. We're ALL craving more meaningful connection, but how to make it? How to confidently build friendships that support us? Let's unpack the science behind friendships that actually nurture us. Learn more about Jewel on her website and follow @connectionwithjewel on all social media platforms! 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, Men's Health, and Yoga Journal. You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, watch on YouTube, and stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

“The future is coming.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting trio – Ian, Liam & Megs – for our 293rd episode as we pop our claws, don our leather suits, and revisit the film that redefined the superhero genre for the new millennium: X-Men (2000). Kev and Georgia? They're cage fighting in Northern Alberta—because of course they are. This week we discuss: Ian and Liam get into a dust-up about what constitutes a gang—whose side are you on? What's with all the wavering accents in this film? How on earth did Magneto know that Rogue had her powers when Rogue, Wolverine, and even Professor X didn't? Ian delights in the blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo by a Canadian Prime Minister (true patriot love). We reflect on Auschwitz as a tourist destination and Ian shares a story about a fashion faux pas that might have landed him on the wrong tour. Was Anna Paquin actually the biggest star attached to the film at the time of its release? You won't guess what Bryan Singer banned from the set—and no, it wasn't claws. Our favourite ghostwriter pops up once again—this time with a surprising link to X-Men. Alternate casting choices: the Wolverine that makes us laugh out loud, and a Professor X that would've been a disaster… but we still want to see it, even if the studio told him to “beat it” (not like that). How do superheroes actually get their names? That's the class we wanted to see at Xavier's. What exactly are the rules of Mystique's powers again—and why is Toad weirdly overpowered? Which character has the worst trash talk despite having the perfect set-up? (Spoiler: lightning shouldn't strike twice.) We talk about meeting up with two Friends of the Podcast this week and drinking pints no matter the occasion. One cast member opens up about a wardrobe malfunction that made mutant fashion even harder to pull off. And finally, whether X-Men (2000) is the Best Film Ever—or just the first stepping stone on the path to superhero dominance. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

Coming up on this episode of Flirations, we're joined by Carly Ann, a therapist and attachment expert, here to have a conversation with us about the anxious/avoidant dynamic in dating! We'll talk about why this duo happens so often in dating, how to spot the difference between lovebombing and genuine interest, are they avoidant or not interested, and how anxiety shows up in the dating process. We'll get into what to do when insecurities, self doubt, or attachment wounds try to pull us off track and how your attachment style and nervous system are connected. We'll explore the origins of our attachment styles, why it's not only about your childhood and family dynamics, and even how our attachment styles are fluid, not fixed. Finally, how to tell the difference between chemistry and compatibility, ways to build secure attachments with others and within ourselves, and some communication strategies for early dating. So, whether you feel like you've experienced the anxious/avoidant dynamic before, are curious to learn more, or just need something to listen (hello!), this episode is for you. Let's do this, Flirties, and meet Carly Ann! 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! Work with me! Take the FREE Flirt Styles Quiz Get INSTANT ACCESS to my anti-anxiety flirting and dating guide Download my FLIRTING AND TEXTING CONVERSATION GUIDE Grab my FREE Dating App Survival handbook Book your 1:1 Flirting Audit Ask the Flirt Coach About our guest:  Carly Ann is an integrative therapist who helps people who worry, overthink, and find themselves stuck in unhealthy relationship patterns. She supports those who feel anxious, fear abandonment, or find themselves overreacting, especially when it feels like they have already tried everything. Carly Ann's mission is to show people that they are not alone and they are not stuck. Through her work, she helps individuals stop feeling “crazy” and reconnect with the version of themselves they were always meant to be: content, secure, and confident, before life, criticism, or loneliness made them doubt who they are. Work with Carly Ann:  21 Day Anxious to Secure Course, grab the Anxious Attachment Bundle, follow on Instagram, and Subscribe 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, 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, Men's Health, and Yoga Journal. You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, watch on YouTube, and stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.  

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we're answering one of the biggest questions in dating! Are we actually connecting — or just attaching? Joining us Dr. Janine O'Brien, a psychologist, educator, and trauma-informed relationship specialist, who helps people untangle their attachment patterns and build more secure, meaningful relationships. We'll unpack how to spot the difference between lovebombing and genuine interest, why we sometimes confuse intensity with intimacy, and the ways our attachment wounds show up in dating.  We'll also talk about the marathon first date, what it looks like when we rush through dating, and how to ease dating anxiety so connection comes first. Finally, we'll explore what it means to develop self-trust, why we don't need to hold everyone accountable, and how we can spot emotional availability within others and within ourselves. If you've ever found yourself anxiously replaying texts, feel like you keep making mistakes, are ready to just give up, or curious about dating again, this episode is for you.  It's for everyone, basically! Alright Flirties, let's do this, and meet Dr. Janine! 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! Work with me! Take the FREE Flirt Styles Quiz Get INSTANT ACCESS to my anti-anxiety flirting and dating guide Download my FLIRTING AND TEXTING CONVERSATION GUIDE Grab my FREE Dating App Survival handbook Book your 1:1 Flirting Audit Ask the Flirt Coach About our guest:  Dr. Janine O'Brien is a licensed clinical psychologist, practice owner, and relationship coach.  She specializes in working with millennials navigating anxiety, people-pleasing, relationship challenges, tricky family dynamics, modern dating, attachment wounds and relational trauma.  Her approach blends depth and relatability, helping clients untangle the roots of their struggles while building the clarity and confidence to create the kind of connections they actually want.  At the heart of her work is the belief that everyone deserves to feel secure and confident in their relationships, including the one they have with themselves. In addition to her therapy practice, Dr. O'Brien is currently developing a course that blends self-paced learning, group coaching, and community support designed to help insecurely attached individuals move toward secure embodiment in their dating and relationships.  She has also been featured in outlets such as Huffpost, Very Well Mind, and Bustle, and is passionate about making psychology and mental health resources accessible and holistic. You can connect with Dr. O'Brien on her website and 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, Men's Health, and Yoga Journal. You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, watch on YouTube, and stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

“Ditto.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting duo – Ian & Liam – for our 292nd episode as we step into the supernatural, spin the pottery wheel, and revisit one of the great romantic blockbusters of the '90s: Ghost (1990). We're trading dream layers for subway spirits and Whoopi Goldberg one-liners as we discuss: Which member of the cast desperately needed an advocate behind the scenes just to get the part. Are there times when being a bad actor or actress is actually the right call in casting? Ian stumbles upon an almost-casting he would've loved to have seen—and another rumoured choice we take great umbrage with. Is the pottery scene one of the greatest cinematic moments of all time… or do we only remember it that way? Are Molly and Sam too perfect as a couple? Or is that exactly why the film works? Who on earth came up with the name Sam Wheat for the protagonist? We've got questions. Why does the cat only show up in two scenes—and does it secretly hold the key to ghost physics? Speaking of which: we welcome back Ghost Physics 101 as a proud course in the ever-expanding BFE syllabus. The sad story (both in canon and real life) of the Subway Ghost—no $5 footlongs here, just heartbreak and haunting. And finally, whether Ghost is the Best Film Ever—or just the most romantic take on death since Shakespeare. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we're going into the world of codependency with Vanessa Bennett! Vanessa is a licensed marriage and family therapist, a sought-after speaker, co-host of the hit podcast Cheaper Than Therapy, and author of the new book The Motherhood Myth. Her work shines a light on how generational trauma, societal expectations, and personal experiences shape the ways we show up in relationships. We'll get into the origins of codependence and the different ways it shows up, and how we can identify patterns of control, validation-seeking, and over-functioning (hi people pleasing!),  and move toward interdependence, self-trust, and authentic connection.  In our conversation, we explore how codependency is rooted in a fear and can feel as gripping as addiction. You'll hear about the link between attachment styles and codependent behaviors, as we break down the difference between healthy attachment vs. emotional dependence, sharing tools you can use to build relationships that feel supportive - without losing yourself. So, whether you've dated from this place of feeling responsible for everyone else's emotions, or found it hard to let go of someone even though you knew they weren't good for you, this episode offers both clarity and a path toward healing. Let's get into it Flirties, and meet Vanessa! 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! Work with me! Take the FREE Flirt Styles Quiz Get INSTANT ACCESS to my anti-anxiety flirting and dating guide Download my FLIRTING AND TEXTING CONVERSATION GUIDE Grab my FREE Dating App Survival handbook Book your 1:1 Flirting Audit Ask the Flirt Coach About our guest:  Vanessa Bennett, LMFT, is licensed depth psychotherapist, author, and facilitator devoted to the lifelong work of coming home to the Self. In her words:  “My approach blends depth psychology, archetypal wisdom, and embodied healing—but it's also no-nonsense, rooted in lived experience, and grounded in truth. I believe healing isn't about becoming someone new. It's about remembering who you were before the world told you to be small.” Vanessa leads immersive healing retreats, workshops, and custom curriculum-based programs for nonprofits and corporations and founded the Inner Compass Academy, where she trains and supervise coaches and therapists to integrate depth and embodiment into their work. Her newest book, The Motherhood Myth, explores how patriarchy, capitalism, and generational trauma have shaped our narratives around parenting, partnership, and identity, and how we begin the process of coming home to ourselves. You can follow Vanessa on Instagram and learn more about her work on www.vanessabennet.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, Men's Health, and Yoga Journal. You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, watch on YouTube, and stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we're joined by Dr. Lisa Wade, a sociologist, assistant professor at Tulane University, and the author of the landmark book American Hookup: The New Culture of Sex on Campus.  Her groundbreaking research draws from the intimate, real voices of college students and reveals that hookup culture isn't just about casual sex—it's a social system with its own rules, hierarchies, and pressures. We'll explore how this culture took hold and the surprising ways it shapes how we all date and connect cuz we all know hookup culture isn't limited to the college campus. We'll also look at trends, like why Gen-Z is having less sex than previous generations, how gender and power dynamics still influence intimacy, and what might be replacing the hookup script. So whether you've lived through hookup culture, opted out entirely, or are curious about how it's evolving today—this is a conversation about desire, connection, and the cultural forces that shape both. Let's do this Flirties, and meet Dr. Wade! 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! Work with me! Take the FREE Flirt Styles Quiz Get INSTANT ACCESS to my anti-anxiety flirting and dating guide Download my FLIRTING AND TEXTING CONVERSATION GUIDE Grab my FREE Dating App Survival handbook Book your 1:1 Flirting Audit Ask the Flirt Coach Watch on YouTube About our guest:  Lisa Wade is an Associate Professor at Tulane University with appointments in Sociology and the Gender and Sexuality Studies Program. As a public-facing scholar, Lisa works to make her and others' scholarship engaging to a public audience. To this end, she is the author of American Hookup: The New Culture of Sex on Campus; an introduction to sociology titled Terrible Magnificent Sociology; a sociology of gender textbook, Gender: Ideas, Interactions, Institutions, with Myra Marx Ferree; and numerous research articles. Her newest book—a documentation of undergraduate social life during the pre-vaccine pandemic—will be published next year. You can find her online at lisa-wade.com, on Instagram at @lisawadephd, and on Bluesky at @lisawade.bsky.social. 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, Men's Health, and Yoga Journal. You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, watch on YouTube, and stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

“You mustn't be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling.” - It's a solo mission this week as Ian takes the lead in our 291st episode, descending through dreamscapes, spinning tops, and subconscious heists in Christopher Nolan's mind-bending Inception (2010). Liam, Megs, Kev, and Georgia? They're all trapped in deeper dream layers, and Ian's holding Level 1 until someone figures out how to kick them back to reality. We're trading banana peels and baseball anthems for snow fortresses and Paris folding in on itself as we discuss: Why Inception still stands as one of Nolan's most ambitious films—and whether the world has caught up to its complexity. Nolan is a genius of narrative construction, but are there times where genius needs governance to ensure the story remains accessible for the masses? Why do the subsequent dream layers respect the science required to access the first dream—and why do they stack so neatly when logic suggests they shouldn't? How Inception violates the golden rule of introducing a “superpower” (in this case, a key ability) and then never using it again for the rest of the movie. The art of lucid dreaming, and how being alone this week means Ian can finally reveal what his recurring dream looks like (spoiler: it involves movie theatres). Which dream layer steals the show—and which feels like the bathroom break level. The ongoing debate: does the ending mean something definitive, or is that missing the point? Why Inception works as both a blockbuster and an intimate story about loss, guilt, and letting go. How Hans Zimmer's score became a cultural event—and why the “BRAAAM” sound is still echoing through cinema today. And finally, whether Inception is the Best Film Ever—or just a beautiful puzzle box we'll keep spinning forever. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we're joined by the marvelous Lily Womble—a feminist dating coach, former top matchmaker, host of the Date Brazen podcast and author of Thank You, More Please: A Feminist Guide to Breaking Dumb Dating Rules and Finding Love.  Lily is on a mission to help us break free from the beliefs the patriarchy has embedded in our love lives—and to ask for more.  In this conversation, we talk about what it means to date as a feminist. We explore everything from how the patriarchy shapes modern dating culture to why so many women feel like they're “too much” and “not enough” at the same time.  We'll hear about Lily's experience dating as a self described late bloomer, we'll unravel the tension between wanting to be chosen and choosing for ourselves, how you can overcome a scarcity mindset - thoughts like, “It'll never happen for me!” - by harnessing the power of desire. We also get into black cat energy, the male gaze, and flirting, of course! So, whether you've ever felt behind in dating, struggled to believe you deserve more, or found yourself following traditional gender norms and yet it's not for you - you're going to want to hear this. Let's do this Flirties, and meet Lily! 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! Work with me! Take the FREE Flirt Styles Quiz Get INSTANT ACCESS to my anti-anxiety flirting and dating guide Download my FLIRTING AND TEXTING CONVERSATION GUIDE Grab my FREE Dating App Survival handbook Book your 1:1 Flirting Audit Ask the Flirt Coach About our guest:  Lily Womble was one of the top matchmakers in the U.S. After setting up hundreds of first dates, she realized that with the right tools, high achieving women could match themselves better than anyone else ever could.  She started her company, Date Brazen, five years ago and has since helped thousands of women become their own expert matchmaker with her unconventional, intersectional feminist approach to dating.  She's on a mission to interrupt the patriarchal status quo found in the dating world to help women create love lives that are self-trust filled, settle-proof, and actively joyful.   She changes lives daily with her 85k+ TikTok community, Top 4 Relationship Podcast- The Date Brazen Podcast- , and sold-out coaching programs world-wide. She lives in Brooklyn with her fiancé, Chris. You can find out more about working with Lily here, buy Thank You, More Please, follow Lily on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and stream the Date Brazen 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, Men's Health, 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.

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we're going straight to the source of transformation—the subconscious mind. Joining us for this conversation is Natalie Stavola, a certified hypnotherapist, coach, author, and speaker with a deeply personal story of healing—from addiction and self-sabotage to empowerment and purpose.  Natalie helps people rewire limiting beliefs, release emotional blocks, and rebuild the self-trust needed to experience relationships based on truth rather than pain. Inside the episode, we'll learn why your subconscious mind might be the very thing keeping you from what you want and how our earliest programming creates the beliefs we carry into adulthood. We're talking about what it means to date while stuck in survival mode, how shame and self-doubt can sabotage connection, how to identify our limiting beliefs, and finally, how to reprogram them. If you're ready to stop asking all the questions and instead start listening to yourself again… this one 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 Stavola is a globally recognized career and dating coach who has helped over 3,000 people worldwide transform their lives. Known for her direct yet compassionate style, she specializes in helping men—especially those entering or navigating positions of power—develop emotional intelligence, shift internal power dynamics, and break free from limiting beliefs. Certified in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), coaching, and a degree in Psychology and Communications, Natalie empowers clients to access deeper self-worth, improve communication, and thrive in both their professional and romantic lives. Her coaching techniques have consistently produced fast, lasting results, attracting high-achieving individuals from all walks of life. She is also a #1 Amazon New Release author in the dating and relationships category. You can follow Natalie on Instagram, work with Natalie 1:1, and schedule a FREE 60 minute discovery call.  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, Men's Health, 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.

You know we love our wrestling here at the BFE (well… some of us do). Join Ian as he's joined by Stew from the Stew World Order as we once again break format and lace up the boots for a deep dive into SummerSlam 2025. We're asking the big questions: were we fooled by a worked injury? Has Cody Rhodes finally stopped crying? Should Johnny Gargano and Candace LaRae be in couples counselling? What do you do when what's called "literal handcuffs" aren't actually handcuffs on a card that will have actual handcuffs later in the night? Why is SmackDown's tag roster so strong compared to Raw and the same for Raw's women's division vs Smackdown? How do we feel about the John Cena heel turn, it's subsequent babyface turn and the big surprise ending to both nights?  Plus, Ian reveals a punny future feud for Big Bronson Reed. We're unpacking all that and more from WWE SummerSlam 2025—and of course, we'll tell you whether you should SEE IT or SKIP IT. Hear so much more of Stew on his website - https://swoproductions.com/ and on his podcast:  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stew-world-order/id1559913522 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6fLcKIHFrYBwMqhFryFMM6

“Nice beaver.” / “Thanks, I just had it stuffed.  Join Ian & B-Tech Kev for our 290th episode as we suit up, slip up, and dive headfirst into the gloriously ridiculous world of The Naked Gun (1988). We're trading time-travelling dystopias for banana peels, police files, and a barrage of visual gags as we discuss: In slapstick, how silly is too silly? Is there a line—or is the whole point to obliterate it with a steamroller and a tuba? Kev shares stories from his recent trip to New York City: the sights, the sounds, and whether each of us are New York or Los Angeles people Ian talks about the return of the weight game and how this is a summer of inward reflection Ian also shares some personal stories about his father—and how certain films like The Naked Gun carry more than just laughs; they carry memories. We explore Leslie Nielsen's genius—how his straight-faced absurdity became the gold standard for parody. Can a film this silly still resonate in today's comedy landscape? Or is this brand of humour an extinct species? Do background jokes, blink-and-you'll-miss-it sight gags, and tightly wound chaos make this more than just a spoof—Does it become precision parody? Baseball anthems, the Queen in peril, exploding toilets, and a police officer with the worst undercover skills in cinematic history. And finally, whether The Naked Gun is the Best Film Ever—or just a walk down memory lane Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE.

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we're joined by speaker, creative force, and bestselling author Amber Rae, author of Choose Wonder Over Worry and her new book, Loveable, One Woman's Path from Good to Free. In this memoir, Amber shares how one day, four years ago, while married, she looked into the eyes of a stranger and fell instantly in love. What ensues is a raw story about breaking up with her previous life, choosing herself, and following her intuition toward love. Inside the episode, Amber opens up about walking away from a safe but disconnected marriage, and finding the courage it takes to want more in a world where it's easier to settle. We talk about trusting your intuition, following desire, and how to recognize when you're bargaining with yourself to stay in something that no longer fits.  Amber shares what it means to ask the universe for a sign—and how we can listen? We'll hear about how she handled the judgement of leaving her marriage, what we can do with regrets, and ultimately how to know when it's time to walk awya. This conversation is an invitation to stop outsourcing your worth and start listening to your inner voice. Whether you're navigating a crossroads, healing from a breakup, or learning to trust yourself again—this episode will meet you there.  Alright Flirties, let's do this, and meet Amber Rae. 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:  Amber Rae is a bestselling author and speaker best known for books Choose Wonder Over Worry and The Answers Are Within You. She's also the creator of The Feelings Journal, a tool that transforms the way you engage with your emotions. Her writing and illustrations reach 9M people per month, and her work has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, New York Magazine, TODAY, SELF, Fortune, Forbes, and Entrepreneur. As a keynote speaker and teacher, Amber has worked with companies such as Kate Spade, Meta, Microsoft, and TED. Amber lives in New York with her husband and son. Preorder Loveable, then learn more about Amber Rae on her website and 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, Men's Health, 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.

You know what Flirties, I have a question for you. Have you ever met someone and just knew they were the one? Maybe it was instant chemistry, maybe it was a slow burn, or maybe it was heartbreak that cracked you open in a way nothing else ever had? Well today, we're diving into the soul-level stuff—those invisible forces that draw us to each other, shape our relationships, and sometimes, break us apart. Joining us for this episode of Flirtations is the luminous Danny Santos, a spiritual guide, psychic medium, and the intuitive heart behind @santoscrystalvisions on Instagram, to have a conversation with us about soulmates, twin flames, karmic connections, and timing in dating. What does it mean when we feel an undeniable connection with someone? How do we know if it's love… or a lesson? Is timing really everything?  And what if—maybe the hardest question of all—what if I feel like we already met our soulmate and it didn't work out? What if the love of my life has already come and gone… will I find love again? Flirty, of course it will. We're hopeful romantics here on Flirtations! We'll also talk about dating karma, the invisible string theory, and why some connections feel written in the stars—even if they never find a forever. We'll untangle how to recognize when you're stuck in a cycle and how to clear your energy so you can call in the kind of love that truly aligns. This one is soulful, expansive, and a little bit witchy—in the best way. Whether you're in the middle of something cosmic, letting go of something karmic, or waiting for the universe to catch up… this conversation is for you. So take a deep breath, Flirties, and settle in—because we're gonna get very real about spiritual connection and the sometimes messy, but always magical road to love. Let's do this Flirties, and meet Danny! 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:  Danny Santos is the Astrologer, Psychic Medium, and Integrative Healer behind Santos & The Crystal Visions. With 20 years of study in the cosmos, Danny's expertise blends the magic of astrology with tarot, reiki, breathwork and psychic mediumship. His repertoire also extends to Ayahuasca shamanism and plant medicine.  Danny has a unique astrological approach. He is an Archetypal Astrologer, which means he intertwines astrology expertise with the psychoanalytic theories of Freud, Jung, and Lacan, providing astrological insights that heal, clarify, and foster a connection to our collective consciousness. Trained as a shaman under Don Enrique Lopez-Fasanando of the Shipibo lineage in Peru, Danny has mastered advanced shamanic techniques, including icaros and plant spirit communication, enriching his holistic approach to healing and spirituality. He is a trained psychic medium under Colby Rebel—his mentor who was voted Los Angeles' best psychic in 2022—and hosts the Astro Daddy Podcast, where he explores astrology, shamanism, plant medicine, and other spiritual topics with his guests. Danny has contributed his insights to outlets like The New York Post, Refinery29, Bustle, and Well+Good, as well as podcasts such as Dates & Mates with Damona Hoffman (the dating coach for The Drew Barrymore Show), Broke Girl Therapy, and The Double Teamed Podcast. Most recently, he was the resident astrologer for luxury resort MUSA in Zihuantanejo, Mexico.  Danny is a fervent advocate for mental health and has been featured and works with The National Alliance on Mental Illness as well as Pineapple Support, a non-profit organization that specializes in bringing mental health support to the people of the adult entertainment industry. He is currently preparing to work with veterans, survivors of human trafficking, and people with PTSD.  In his free time, Danny writes music and sings. You can hear his first single, “Poppies For Edwin,” on Spotify. You can follow Danny on Instagram and TikTok. 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, Men's Health, 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.

“Welcome to Costco. I love you.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian & Liam – with BFF of the BFE: Synthia beaming in from the not-so-distant future as we crack open the absurd, prophetic, and depressingly accurate Idiocracy (2006). We're trading shark-infested waters for Gatorade-irrigated crops and President Camacho in our 289th episode as we ask: Was Idiocracy always this smart, or has the world just gotten that dumb? We explore how a film that bombed at release has somehow become the most referenced dystopia not named Orwell. What does it say about society that Mike Judge's lowbrow future doesn't seem that far off? Synthia breaks down the subtle and not-so-subtle satire—and why this film still hits different in a post-algorithm world. Ian wonders whether the comedy lands… or whether it's just too bleak to laugh anymore. Liam confesses which part of the film made him physically cringe (hint: it's not just the opening montage). We talk about the difference between satire and smugness, and where Idiocracy walks that tightrope. Is the film's central conceit plausible… or offensively oversimplified? With the film's conceit being that everyone is stupid, are we allowed to get frustrated with the tone for being too stupid? Why Terry Crews as President Camacho might be the most pitch-perfect casting choice in a dystopian comedy ever. What modern products or trends Idiocracy weirdly predicted (we're looking at you, reality TV and clickbait). And finally, whether Idiocracy is the Best Film Ever—or just the most important film people still haven't seen. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.  

Editor - Yan Miles ACE, BFE Andor editor Yan Miles partly attributes the decision not to extensively use the Stagecraft "volume" technology as the reason why his series has a distinctly different look and feel to other shows under the Star Wars banner. Instead, Andor leans into real-world environments, capturing the grit and authenticity that Yan believes enhances the narrative. Another significant factor in that differentiation is Tony Gilroy's writing, where the narrative complexity lies. Despite knowing the ultimate fate of characters like Cassian Andor, the series thrives on the uncertainty surrounding minor characters and their arcs. It's in these uncharted territories that the tension in Andor finds its heartbeat. Season 2 of Andor continues the chronicling of Cassian Andor's journey as he becomes a key figure in the burgeoning Rebel Alliance against the Galactic Empire. The season covers the four years leading up to the events of Rogue One, with each arc spanning a year.  Yan Miles ACE, BFE Yan Miles ACE, BFE is an acclaimed film and television editor whose work spans some of the most prestigious and visually dynamic series of the last decade. A member of both American Cinema Editors and British Film Editors, Yan has brought his keen sense of story and rhythm to internationally celebrated productions such as The Crown, Sherlock, and Game of Thrones. Known for his ability to blend emotional nuance with bold editorial choices, his work has helped define the tone and texture of modern prestige television.   The Credits Visit ExtremeMusic for all your production audio needs Streamline your postproduction pipeline with Shade See which model of Avid Media Composer is right for you Subscribe to The Rough Cut podcast and never miss an episode Visit The Rough Cut on YouTube

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we're talking practical optimism and how this grounded, science-backed approach can help guide us toward more fulfilling connections and loving relationships. Joining us for this conversation is Dr. Sue Varma, a board-certified psychiatrist, clinical assistant professor at NYU, and the author of Practical Optimism: The Art, Science, and Practice of Exceptional Well-Being. Her work has helped countless people navigate trauma, stress, and uncertainty—and today, she's helping us bring more purpose and emotional resilience into our dating lives. In this conversation, we unpack what it really means to be optimistic in a world that doesn't always make it easy. We talk about why it's so hard to be alone, but how we can do just that without giving in to loneliness.  We explore how we can stop comparing ourselves to other people, how we can find purpose in small, everyday moments, and why empathy is so important to true, genuine connection. We also ask questions like, "Is happiness a choice?" "Can we train our brains to think bigger and love deeper?" And, "What does it mean to be a practical optimist?" If you're struggling to keep the hope alive out there dating or are having a hard time believing in yourself, you don't want to miss this episode! Dr. Varma's work has sincerely changed my own life in my longtime battle with depression and I hope that by the end of this episode, if you're having a hard time in your life, things will get just a bit easier. Alright Flirties, let's do this, and meet Dr. Sue Varma! 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:  Dr. Sue Varma is a board-certified psychiatrist and distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, with over 20 years of experience in both private practice and as a clinical assistant professor at NYU Langone Health. A trailblazer in her field, she was the inaugural medical director of NYU's 9/11 mental health program, earning a Mayoral Proclamation for her groundbreaking contributions. Dr. Varma is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and national medical commentator, regularly featured on leading platforms like the Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Mornings, The NY Times, WSJ, Washington Post, along with documentaries and primetime specials, where her expertise has earned her 13 nominations and two Sharecare Emmy Awards. Honored as one of the world's top five leading health experts by Global Citizen for her pandemic work, and the Ivan Goldberg Award for Outstanding Service, Dr. Varma now brings her insights on mental wellness to a global audience with her acclaimed book Practical Optimism: The Art, Science, and Practice of Exceptional Wellbeing, being translated in a dozen languages and counting. To learn more about Dr. Varma and her work, please check out Instagram and www.drsuevarma.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, Men's Health, 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.

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we're crossing the pond and getting into it with none other than Tom Stroud!  You may know Tom from Season 1 of Love Is Blind UK and his podcast Why Do Men…? and today, we're going beyond the pods as we talk about what it was really like dating through a wall and how vulnerability, oddly enough, came more easily without eye contact or seeing who you're talking to. Tom also shares what it was like forming friendships in the men's suite, how those behind-the-scenes bonds shaped the experience, and what it taught him about connection — not just romantically, but also about making friends with other guys. Tom opens up about his past dating patterns, how he's unlearning lovebombing and forming more secure attachments rather than avoidant ones, why “checking the boxes” was actually limiting him in his love life, and the inspiration behind his podcast Why Do Men…? and his men's group Shoulder to Shoulder. We've also got some flirting tips, of course!, for the fellas and the ladies out there dating in real life and how you can make a move with more confidence. So, if you're curious to go behind the scenes of Love is Blind and learn more about connection and vulnerability in relationships, this one is for you! Let's do this Flirties, and meet Tom! 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:  Tom Stroud, relationship content creator and host of Why Do Men, the podcast exploring male behaviour in dating and relationships. You can follow Tom on Instagram: www.instagram.com/stroudtom. 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, Men's Health, 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.

“You're gonna need a bigger boat.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian & Megs – as we head out to sea with special guest Carlo from The Movie Loot for our 288th episode, diving deep into Steven Spielberg's blockbuster breakthrough Jaws (1975). We're trading crane kicks for chum buckets and mechanical shark mishaps as we discuss: The real-life beef between Richard Dreyfuss and Robert Shaw—method acting, ego clashes, and barbed insults at sea. Spielberg's first reaction to hearing the now-iconic Jaws theme from John Williams… and why he thought it was a joke. Just how crucial it is to find an actress who can tick all the boxes—especially when it comes to screaming convincingly. The urban legend behind the film's POV shots—and whether the broken shark really made the film better. Is the actual shark reveal a thrilling payoff… or a rubbery letdown? We break down whether it holds water. We all agreed it's a film of two halves—but did we agree on which half was better? Would Jaws still work with a female character in one (or more) of the core trio? We explore casting, gender dynamics, and cabin tension. How many big screams should a film have? Is there a magic number—or do we just love that head-in-the-boat moment too much? Does Brody have the worst wife ever for casually revealing his deepest fear to a total stranger at dinner? The key changes from the Peter Benchley novel—and why most of them were for the better (goodbye, mafia subplot). Why Spielberg was convinced he'd never work again after Jaws—and how it nearly swallowed his career whole before making him a legend. And finally, whether Jaws is the Best Film Ever.   Catch so much more of Carlo on The Movie Loot on Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-movie-loot/id1578191119 or on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/4o5ZvtvZ64XAoxIIxiAj1q   Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we're joined by breakup recovery and relationship coach Lucy Price, who is here to help us turn heartbreak into healing and a breakup into a breakthrough! If you've ever found yourself crying on Facetime with your friend, rereading old texts, stalking your ex's socials, or wondering how the hell you're supposed to move on when it wasn't supposed to end this way—stay tuned! Whether you've been ghosted, blindsided by someone going back to their ex, trying to figure out how “the one” got away or just can't stop replaying the “what ifs,” Lucy is here to help you move forward—not by pretending it didn't hurt, but by learning process a painful experience. Inside the episode, we talk about the different ways we can get stuck in a breakup, why we might keep going back to our ex, how to stop chasing closure, how to let go of the fantasy (not just the person), and how to tell the difference between real healing and a really good distraction. We'll explore how to rebuild self-trust when your picker feels broken and how to know when you're ready to date again, and how heartbreak might just be your biggest breakthrough yet. If you're tired of feeling not enough, still hung up on someone who didn't show up, or you're just craving some clarity and closure, this episode is for you! Let's do the Flirties, and meet Lucy! 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:  Lucy Price is a breakup recovery and relationship coach specializing in helping individuals heal from heartbreak, rebuild confidence, and create fulfilling lives—with or without a partner. Having supported over a hundred clients in the past three years, Lucy blends compassionate guidance with practical strategies to navigate breakups, foster self-love, and gain clarity for the future. Her approach empowers clients to move forward with confidence and embrace their next chapter. Learn more about Lucy and coaching opportunities on her website, listen to the Breakups and Breakthroughs Podcast, and check out more content on Instagram and TikTok. 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, Men's Health, 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.

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we're joined by Israa Nasir, a psychotherapist, speaker, mental health advocate, creator of the digital platform Well Guide, and author of the brilliant new book Toxic Productivity, here today to have a conversation with us about what it means to feel enough in a world that constantly tells us otherwise. Inside the episode, we're exploring how hustle culture and the need to always be doing something not only impacts our careers, but also how we love and date.  We'll talk about the sometimes invisible pressure to check every box and make things work, and we'll look at how comparison, perfectionism, and rushing intimacy can keep us stuck in dating loops that leave us anxious - and yet wanting more. Israa shares insights on how family and cultural expectations shape our relationships, and how we can honor our roots while still choosing ourselves.  We also get into vulnerability vs. oversharing, why external validation isn't the enemy, and how curiosity, not criticism, is the key to dating with more clarity and self-compassion. So if you've ever felt like dating was just another performance, like you're behind in this unspoken race to be partnered, or like your "enoughness" is waiting to be confirmed by someone else, this one is for you! Let's do the Flirties, and meet Israa! 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:  Israa Nasir is a psychotherapist, keynote speaker, and author of Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Energy in a World That Always Demands More. She is the founder of @well.guide, a digital mental health platform with a community of over 350,000, where she shares evidence-based insights on emotional wellbeing, burnout, and the psychology of achievement in a culture that often demands constant output. Israa has been a featured speaker at global stages including SXSW, the Mental Health America National Conference, and the Asia Society, and has led workplace wellbeing initiatives at companies such as Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Bloomberg. She has also delivered talks and workshops at Yale University and other leading academic institutions. Her work has been featured in Time, Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and Axios. 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.

“Wax on, wax off.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, and the triumphant return of Megs (Kev's still away… last seen jogging up a hill in a grey tracksuit muttering “No mercy”) – as we crane kick our way into our 287th episode, tackling the inspirational, emotional, and occasionally questionable The Karate Kid (1984). We're trading crystal fortresses for dojo face-offs and dusty training montages as we discuss: Does Daniel LaRusso bring most of his problems onto himself? We break down whether he's the underdog—or the instigator. What is the difference between a cute girl and a hot girl? And where does Elizabeth Shue's Alli fall on the spectrum of '80s love interests? Does Ralph Macchio wear one of the all-time worst Halloween costumes in movie history? (Spoiler: Yes. Yes, he does.) Can you really learn black belt-level karate in just a few weeks? Or did Daniel unlock cheat codes under Mr. Miyagi's tutelage? Ian goes to war with the score—and one particular song that just doesn't belong. The film suggests America was batty about soccer in the '80s. Was that true… or just wishful screenwriting? Why the studio was reluctant to cast Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi—and how he proved them all spectacularly wrong. Ian finds a way to shave 10 minutes off the runtime—Miyagi would approve of the efficiency. Why does Daniel's mother uproot their entire life for a job that seems… deeply underwhelming? Does Daniel deserve Alli in the end—or was she just too good for this drama-prone karate kid? We wax (lyrically) on and off about themes, nostalgia, and tournament ethics. And finally, whether The Karate Kid is the Best Film Ever. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, Flirties, we're joined by one of Australia's most sought-after dating coaches — it's Mark Rosenfeld. He's one of Australia's top dating and relationship experts, author of the book Make Him Yours: Beating the Odds of Modern Dating, and over the course of his career, he's coached more than 50,000 women in love, dating, and connection. We start the episode with Mark's story of going from shy guy to stripper (yes, you heard that right!), and how stepping into that unexpected world helped him overcome social anxiety and learn the art of flirting. Then we get into your dating questions as Mark shares how men and women date differently and what each gender wishes the other understood. We'll hear about why the apps aren't all that bad and how to make intentional invitations that create real-life dates — without chasing. And yes, we even talk about that one time Mark went undercover as a woman on dating apps to find out: what are the men doing? How can women actually get more of what they want? And why do women tend to date potential more than men? Mark brings a unique perspective to the dating game having coached both men and women for over a decade, and let's just say, he has seen it all. So, whether you're curious about some psychology and dating dynamics, wondering how to make stronger romantic connections, or just want to hear Mark's story of personal transformation—this episode is for you! Let's do the Flirties, and meet Mark! 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:  Mark Rosenfeld is one of Australia's leading dating and relationship coaches and the founder of Make Him Yours. With a background in psychology and a past life as a professional dancer (yes, really!), Mark brings a unique approach to modern dating. Through his coaching, bestselling book Make Him Yours: Beating the Odds of Modern Dating, and massively popular YouTube channel, he's helped over 50,000 women build confidence, understand men, and create meaningful relationships.  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.

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we're talking all things queer and gay dating with the incredible Nathan Serrato! Nathan is a trauma-informed coach and host of the Queer Conscious podcast, helping LGBTQ+ individuals and couples build thriving, intentional relationships rooted in self-worth, communication, and emotional intimacy. Inside the episode, we explore the beautifully complex, sometimes messy, and yet always real world of queer dating.  We talk about the “Queer Crossroads” and how to navigate that blurry line between friends, flings, dates, sex, and more. We get into meeting in real life vs. online, and how to flirt while staying grounded and authentic. We'll also talk about breakups within friend groups and social cirlces, monogamy and open relationships, the concept of a second adolescence, and how to handle dating when it feels more like a search for validation than a path to true connection. Nathan also shares his insights around body image in our swipe culture, what to do when dating apps feel more exhausting than exciting, and how to build the kind of queer connection that feels safe, sexy, and fun. Finally, we'll touch on mental health, the importance of friendships, how to make friends, and how we can love ourselves, perhaps, a little bit more. So, whether you're new to queer dating, have been around the block and back, or are just curious (hello, straights!), this episode has something for you. Let's do the Flirties, and meet Nathan! 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:  Nathan Serrato, PCC (he/him) is a Queer Love Coach and founder of Queer Conscious. Through coaching, courses, and community, Nathan helps LGBTQ+ individuals and couples build thriving, intentional relationships rooted in self-worth, communication, and emotional intimacy. His somatic approach offers lasting transformation, while his expertise in communication allows him to mediate between partners and guide them toward alignment, understanding, and tangible solutions. Whether you're dating, deepening a partnership, or healing from past relationships, Nathan offers a grounded space for growth and connection. Learn more at www.queerconscious.com or Instagram: @queerconscious. 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, Men's Health, 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.  

“You'll believe a man can fly.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting duo – Ian & Liam (Megs couldn't make it—she's busy spinning the Earth backwards to reclaim her weekend while KevDog's off searching for crystals in the Arctic... or just stuck in a phone booth with no signal - as we don the cape, slick back the hair, and fly faster than a speeding bullet into our 286th episode, reviewing Richard Donner's iconic superhero origin story Superman (1978). We're trading classical guitars and military trenches for red trunks and crystal fortresses as we discuss: We look at how Superman redefined the superhero genre before it was a genre—and why it still matters nearly 50 years later. Why Christopher Reeve may be the most perfectly cast superhero of all time, and how his dual performance still holds up. Ian dives into the film's structure and why the three-act split (Krypton, Kansas, Metropolis) feels so bold and ambitious. We condemn and then forgive Teen Clark (Jeff East) and  do likewise for Brando but without the forgiveness at the end We discuss whether Lex Luthor is a credible villain—or just a walking punchline with a killer property portfolio. Liam marvels at the charm, the score, and the genuine sense of wonder—while struggling not to get emotional about Pa Kent. We ask: does the “reverse time” ending still fly? Or is that where the cape starts to fray? And of course: whether Superman (1978) is the Best Film Ever. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we're welcoming someone whose work has helped thousands of people move from stuck to aligned, it's the brilliant Britt Frank. A licensed neuropsychotherapist, trauma specialist, speaker, and bestselling author of The Science of Stuck and her brand-new book Align Your Mind, her insights have been featured in NPR, Forbes, The New York Times, and Esquire—and today, she's here with us, Flirties! In this episode, we're getting into the nitty gritty of the mind—what it means to work with our inner world, the origin of our inner critic, and how our nervous systems play a huge role in dating, self-worth, and how we connect with others.  We'll talk about Internal Family Systems therapy, the power of parts work, and how the anxious part, avoidant part, or people-pleaser within us might be running the show more than we think, and what we can do about it. Britt helps us understand why we sometimes get stuck in patterns we know aren't good for us, she's got a reframe on self-sabotage and after this, you might start calling it traumatized intuition, we'll talk about why change is hard (but totally possible), and how our past experiences and traumas might be shaping the way we date today. Whether you're navigating indecision, struggling with attachment, or wondering why the same relationship themes keep popping up—this episode is packed with science, soul, and practical strategies to help you get unstuck and move forward with confidence. Let's do this, Flirties, and meet Britt Frank. 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:  Britt Frank, LSCSW, SEP is a licensed neuropsychotherapist, speaker, and author of The Science of Stuck and Align Your Mind. She received her BA from Duke University and her master's from the University of Kansas, where she later became an award-winning instructor. Britt is a contributing writer for Psychology Today and her work has been featured in the New York Times, Forbes, NPR, and New York Magazine.  You can connect with Britt on Instagram, LinkedIn, and on her website, www.brittfrank.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.

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we're getting intimate—literally—with certified sex and intimacy coach, Court Vox. Court is the founder of The Body Vox , a somatic sex educator and has been featured in Vogue, Men's Health, Allure, The New York Post, and more.  He's worked with individuals and couples all over the world, helping them build deeper awareness in their bodies, relationships, and erotic selves. In today's conversation, we're exploring what intimacy really looks like—beyond just the physical—including emotional, intellectual, and even spiritual forms of connection. Court walks us through tools to build somatic awareness and helps us understand how to build intimacy in a way that feels safe, grounded, and honest. From breathwork to intentional touch, vulnerability to building trust, we'll talk about the practices and barriers that shape our ability to truly connect. We'll also tackle some of your burning questions—like: Should you have sex on a first date? Is texting killing the vibe or helping you build connection? Where does attraction really come from? And is attachment really such a bad thing? (Spoiler: it's not. And Court's going to tell us why.) If you've ever struggled with mixed signals, perfectionism, hookup fatigue, or fear of intimacy, this one's going to reframe the way you think about dating and connection. So, whether you're craving more closeness, working through fear, or just curious how to build stronger connections in your next relationship or casual connection, this one's for you! Let's do the Flirties, and meet Court! 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:  Court Vox is a Somatic Sex & Intimacy Coach, Surrogate Partner, and the Founder of The BodyVox. Through his courses, workshops, retreats, and private immersions, he helps clients overcome limitations and shame, fostering deeper intimacy and connection with their whole selves. At The BodyVox, Court Vox offers 1:1 sessions, workshops, and retreats worldwide, including specialized programs for GBTQ men. His online course and community, Invitations to Intimacy, provides a framework for erotic embodiment alongside a supportive network of like-minded individuals. He is also part of the celebrated program for women, Back to the Body, where he collaborates with an elite team of sex educators to guide transformative experiences for women.  Certified through governing organizations such as the Somatic Sex Education Association (SSEA), the Association of Sexological Bodyworkers (ACSB), the International Professional Surrogate Association (IPSA), and Urban Tantra, he combines his certifications with ongoing studies in rope bondage, modern hypnotherapy, breathwork, and movement practices.  As a sex educator, Vox has worked with clients of all sexualities and genders. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Men's Health, Out Magazine, Vogue, AskMen, Cosmopolitan, Well & Good and more.  For more information, visit www.thebodyvox.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.

“Bayan o sarili?” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting duo – Ian & Liam – as we ride into revolution and betrayal in our 285th episode, tackling the powerful, patriotic, and provocative Heneral Luna (2015). We're later joined by BFF of the BFE Juleen, as we trade chequered flags for sabres and cigar smoke while we discuss: Ian shares a personal story about how his perspective on film shifted dramatically this week—and why Heneral Luna hit harder than expected. We talk about rediscovering old hobbies and how sometimes history—and a great movie—can reignite forgotten passions. We've got some big BFE cast news to share—don't worry, no one got court-martialed. Was Antonio Luna an epic figure… but a deeply unlikeable man? We break down the myth and the man. At what point do patriotism and ego diverge—especially in military leadership? And how much of Luna's downfall was self-inflicted? Why is this vital and volatile chapter of Filipino history completely absent from most American history books? Juleen joins us with powerful insights from her time living in Southern California and how Heneral Luna resonates against today's shifting political tides. Our Rodecaster decides to go full rebellion, jumping ship mid-episode—more than once. What's with all the Jesus imagery? From framing to posture to betrayal, Luna doesn't hold back. One scene left Ian absolutely gobsmacked—he didn't see it coming, and we're still picking our jaws off the floor. Why did troop movements in this film feel like Season 8 of Game of Thrones? Can we get a map? Are Americans great marksmen… or hilariously awful? And what made standing up in battle a form of actual camouflage? Whether Heneral Luna is the Best Film Ever—or just the best film you've never heard of. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations is the iconic Rebecca More! Adult industry legend, one-half of the unforgettable Cock Destroyers, star of Slag Wars, and soon competing in an Ironman, today we're going beyond fame to talk about reinvention. In this conversation, Rebecca shares her journey of stepping away from porn and adult work, grieving the loss of her dear friend Sophie, and navigating what life looks like now.  We talk about confidence, change, and why it's never too late to choose a new path—or to discover an entirely new version of yourself.  Rebecca shares how she stays playful, how she keeps evolving, and how we can embrace change no matter what phase of life we're in. We'll also hear some flirting tips, Rebecca's thoughts on her gay icon status, and what it's like training for an Ironman! So, whether you've followed Rebecca for years (like me!) or are just getting to know her, you don't want to miss this conversation as we explore reinvention and why it's always possible to ask ourselves for more. Let's do this Flirties, and meet Rebecca More. 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:  Rebecca More is a British adult industry legend, performance artist, cultural icon, and one-half of the unforgettable Cock Destroyers, a viral sensation that redefined internet fame and queer adoration. With her signature confidence, camp energy, and unapologetic authenticity, Rebecca has built a devoted global following and continues to inspire audiences far beyond adult entertainment. She starred in the hit queer reality competition Slag Wars and is now on a powerful journey of personal reinvention—stepping away from porn, training for an Ironman, and embracing new chapters of life with humor, heart, and honesty. A fierce advocate for confidence, self-expression, and embracing change at any stage of life, Rebecca remains a beloved icon and inspiration to many. You can follow Rebecca's personal Instagram, adult work-focused Instagram, check out the Growth Fridays podcast and lifestyle vlogs on YouTube, and follow her on Twitter.  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.

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we're getting real, raw, and radically open with the incredible Tricia Wise.  You may know Tricia as the @safe.slut across social media, Tricia is a master aesthetician, reiki practitioner, sexual health advocate, herpes stigma breaker, and meme queen—and today, she's joining us to talk about something that, depending on the type, affects over 3 billion people around the world. It's Herpes! In this episode, we're diving into Tricia's personal journey with HSV (that's herpes), the work she's doing to destigmatize sexual health, and how we can create more empowered, shame-free conversations around sex, our bodies, and dating.  From navigating disclosure and diagnosis, to reclaiming confidence, pleasure, and power, Tricia shares the truth behind the stigma—and why it's time we start normalizing the conversation around herps and STIs (sexually transmitted infections). We'll also talk about the different types of herpes, how you may contract it, treatment options, how to get tested, how and when to disclose status, how to practice safe sex, and why herpes isn't the end of world. So, whether you're navigating a diagnosis, are dating someone who is, or simply want to learn how to be a more informed and safe out there dating, this episode is for you! Let's drop the shame, turn up the self-love, and welcome the one and only Tricia Wise to the show. Let's do this, Flirties! 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:  Safe Slut is a writer, sex worker, content creator, and reiki master. Safe Slut was diagnosed with genital herpes in November 2019. After noticing the stigma and shame surrounding being herpes positive, she created her Instagram account @safe.slut to help people take their power back while promoting sex positivity, helping to destigmatize STIs and slut shaming, and promoting safer sex practices. She also is smashing stigma and being a slut on OF as @safeslvt and on Patreon as Safe Slut. All links:  Instagram Shop Tiktok Twitter Patreon 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.

“The closer you are to death, the more alive you feel.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting duo – Ian & Liam – as we rev the engines, grip the wheel, and go full throttle into our 284th episode with a look at Ron Howard's high-octane drama Rush (2013). We're trading poisoned apples for podium finishes as we dive into one of Formula 1's greatest real-life rivalries: What is it about films that explore the pursuit of greatness that gets our hearts racing every time? We break down why stories with duelling personalities—like Hunt and Lauda—are so compelling, especially when each sees themselves reflected in the other. What elements of the true story were changed, streamlined, or dialled up to eleven for cinematic effect? Ian and Liam try to figure out which one of them is the reckless playboy and which is the meticulous technician… and it gets uncomfortable quickly. We talk about the power of respect over friendship, the blurred lines between envy and admiration, and why this film might be Ron Howard's unsung masterpiece. Whether Rush is the Best Film Ever—or just one hell of a ride worth taking. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

Get every episode of The Dumb Zone by subscribing to the show at DumbZone.com or Patreon.com/TheDumbZoneWe're in the heart of Texas in BFE (we know what that means now) and we've got a Thunder championship to talk about as well as former Thunder, Kevin Durant, was traded yesterday. Plus, this edition of Blake reads a book is titled "OJ Simpson is Innocent and I Can Prove It" (00:00) - Open: Weekend check (42:26) - Sports: Thunder win, KD traded (01:20:19) - News: Earlybird can stay (01:40:01) - VM birthdays/Today in History (01:53:31) - Closing remarks: Maybe OJ didn't do it ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we're defining the relationship, ya'll, with Carleigh Ferrante! Carleigh is the creator and voice of @mostlydating on Instagram and host of the Mostly Dating podcast, having built a community of over 200,000 with her honest takes on dating and relationships. Whether you're feeling things out with someone new, stuck in dating limbo, or ready to move from casual to committed, this episode offers advice on how to approach conversation around exclusivity and defining the relationship with clarity and confidence.  We'll talk about what signs to look for that someone is ready for the conversation, how to know if you're ready, what to consider before having it, and how to handle it if you're not on the same page. Carleigh shares her take on the timing of the DTR convo, whether exclusivity and defining the relationship are the same thing, and how to navigate situations where one person needs more time.  We also cover what to expect after this conversation, like how to keep things moving forward or how to walk away if it's not working. And finally, we talk a little mindset. Why do we fear scaring someone? And how can we stay grounded when we're feeling unsure about where we stand with someone?  So, whether you're about to DTR, go exclusive, all of the above, or none of above, stick around for a candid and honest conversation about dating and relationships. Alright, let's do this, Flirties, and meet Carleigh! 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:  Carleigh Ferrante is a New York–based writer and creator behind the hit dating podcast Mostly Dating, where she delivers approachable, insightful advice for every stage of modern relationships. Her work blends humor, heart, and accessible guidance, with episodes running weekly and featuring practical tips, listener questions, and conversations that help build healthier, happier, and lasting connections. A graduate of Hunter College with a degree in Creative Writing and Psychology, Carleigh has contributed to major outlets including MindBodyGreen, Well+Good, PureWow, Forbes, Bustle, The Everygirl, The Zoe Report, and Yahoo Life. She also works directly with brands, crafting copy for email, web, social media, and more. You can connect with Carleigh on Instagram (@mostlydating), the Mostly Dating Podcast, and 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.

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, Fernie is back on the show for our summer solstice dating horoscope! With a brand new season comes new energy for dating, romance, flirting, and cosmic possibility. Joining us today is Flirtations' in-house astrologer, fortune teller, and magic mystic, Fernie, here to read the stars and pull back the planetary curtain on what this season has in store for our love lives. What does the Queen of Swords want us to know? What is Jupiter up to and what opportunities might some celestial happenings present? Mars has also got something to say and we're kicking off cancer season! Lot's to get to, including the two big themes the stars and planets have for us, and how we can fill our own cups a little bit more. You don't need to be an astrology expert—just bring an open heart and an open mind, and we'll take care of the rest. So get ready to flirt with fortune, boldness, beauty, and maybe a little bit of magic. Let's do this, Flirties, and meet Fernie. 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:  Fernie Salinas (he/they) is a queer Latinx fortune telling witch from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas.  They are the owner and founder of Golden Mirror Fortunes, and they hope to be Your Favorite Fortune Teller! They grew up always knowing that magic was around us, as their great-grandfather and his son, their grand-uncle, were both curanderos (folk healers) in Rio Grande City, and it's been such a delight to have Golden Mirror Fortunes carry on the legacy of healing and mysticism they instilled in him. He's also an educator — he went to Rice University, studied English and Art History, got their teacher's certification, joined TFA, and have been a teacher and principal at various schools in the RGV.  He is currently an education consultant as well as running Golden Mirror Fortunes, their small fortune telling business.  He uses tarot and magic to help people heal and find their paths, all in service of improving their fortunes.  His deepest desire is to provide you with the light that you need to make your life a little more magical and glittery. Follow them on Instagram and let them be your favorite fortune teller! 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.

“So long… partner.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting duo – Ian & Liam – as we stare mortality, memory, and molten doom right in the eye in our 283rd episode, covering Pixar's emotional rollercoaster Toy Story 3 (2010). We're trading poisoned apples for daycare drama and incinerator trauma as we ask whether this trilogy-closer really is the perfect goodbye: We are so very thankful for a new piece of kit that limited our downtime this week We talk about why Toy Story 3 might just be the best third act in any trilogy ever. Ian reflects on the passage of time, growing up, and how Pixar weaponised emotion in the final 20 minutes. Liam bravely tries to hold it together during that incinerator scene—and that goodbye with Andy. Is Lotso one of Pixar's greatest villains and what is it about him that Liam hates so much but Ian loves so much? We talk about daycare as dystopia, Big Baby as horror icon, why Mr. Pricklepants deserved more screen time and who exactly is watching these kids at the daycare? Why does this hit so hard for adults? Is it just about toys—or everything we leave behind? Ian breaks down the film's narrative structure and how it perfectly mirrors growing up and letting go. Whether Toy Story 3 is the Best Film Ever—or just the most emotionally devastating G-rated film of all time. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we welcome Dr. Shanté Holley to the show! Dr. Shanté is a certified life coach, writer, professor, and host of the podcast The Whole In Your Heart podcast on YouTube. Specializing in guiding individuals through the complexities of healing, wellness, and personal development, today we have a conversation for you about the art of surrender. We explore how to trust the timing of your life, the difference between surrender and submission, and how to accept what you cannot change while still believing deeply in yourself and what is possible. We'll go into how to process anger and hurt when you've been wronged, how to stop living in the past, and how the very act of trying to control outcomes is often where we lose our power.  Dr. Shanté offers insights into why force is the opposite of surrender, how to recognize the subtle ways we abandon ourselves, and why surrender is not weakness, but strength. If you've been holding on too tightly to old beliefs, are having a hard time letting go, feeling stuck, or if your strength has started to look more like struggle, this episode is for you! Let's do the Flirties, and meet Dr. Shanté! 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:  Dr. Shanté Holley is a certified, trauma-informed mental health coach with over 20 years of experience as a college professor. She is a respected voice in the mental wellness community, with a passionate following of more than 270K on social media, a ranked publication on Substack, and viral content that has reached millions.  Known for her accessible, and impactful approach to mental health, she has been featured on both local and national news outlets, using her platform to share practical insights and advocate for mental wellness. A sought-after speaker, Dr. Shanté delivers high-value content on a variety of topics related to emotional resilience, trauma recovery, and self-care, with engagements across the country. Her expertise has led to partnerships with major organizations such as the Immigrant Justice Corps, American Red Cross, SAMHSA, and the Ad Council, where she collaborates on campaigns aimed at promoting mental health awareness and community support. In addition to her work in mental health coaching, Dr. Shanté is a prolific podcaster with three successful shows that collectively boast hundreds of thousands of downloads. Her podcasts serve as valuable resources for individuals seeking guidance on personal growth, mindset, healing, and navigating life's challenges. Dr. Shanté also serves on the Board for Belonging Through Art, an organization dedicated to reducing loneliness and fostering positive social connections through art. Her commitment to improving mental wellness extends to her academic work, where she was a Fulbright Scholarship Finalist for her research on Blaxit: The Interconnectedness of Racial Trauma, Healing, and Black Immigration to Portugal, a groundbreaking project that explored the intersections of cultural identity, trauma, and healing. With her extensive background in mental health, education, and media Dr. Shanté Holley is a trailblazer in the field, committed to helping individuals heal, grow, and thrive. You can connect with Dr. Shanté on Substack, listen to the "Whole in Your Heart" podcast on YouTube, learn more on her website, and @drshantesays 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.