144 episodes

Smart Dating Academy helps busy, successful professionals to jump start their dating lives. We have a results-oriented, fun 8 step process - which transforms you into a better dater - helping you find "the one".

This podcast is meant to help you put more love in to your life, and more life in to your love

Smart Dating Academy - The Podcast The Smart Dating Academy Podcast

    • Education
    • 4.9 • 120 Ratings

Smart Dating Academy helps busy, successful professionals to jump start their dating lives. We have a results-oriented, fun 8 step process - which transforms you into a better dater - helping you find "the one".

This podcast is meant to help you put more love in to your life, and more life in to your love

    How to Become “UNREJECTABLE!”

    How to Become “UNREJECTABLE!”

    This week, I'm so excited to introduce my friend and former client, Stacy Katz to the podcast. Stacy is a sought after mindset coach who helps women create more Relaxation and Power with her R.E.L.A.X Mindset Method. Her approach is rooted in real-world experience, making it both
    relatable and actionable. She has over two decades of experience in mindset and peak performance. She has guided C-level executives and leadership teams inside some of the biggest global brands like HP, Verizon, Spotify and more. 

    In this episode Stacy and I explore how you are going to get more relaxed and more powerful in dating and in your entire life.

    We talk about:


    The concept of limiting beliefs and how they affect our results in and out of the dating world
    How we can transform limiting beliefs and non-useful thinking
    What it means to “listen for the gold” on a date and how it can create deeper connections and make others feel safe and supported in relationships.
    How Stacy became to focus on being Relaxed and Powerful
    How someone should begin the practice of developing compassionate self-forgiveness, especially if they’ve had tough dating experiences
    How focusing on internal alignment and being psychotically optimistic can positively impact dating and overall life experiences

    Stacy is offering a special gift to the listeners of The Smart Dating Academy podcast:
    An Energy Audit to help you understand how different aspects of your daily life and routine either contribute to or deplete your energy levels. This is a key first step in creating your Relaxed and Powerful Life. Go to www.stacykatz.com to get your gift!


    For more free tips and up to date information, click here to register for the Smart Dating Academy free newsletter!   https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact

    Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/smartdatingacademy/

    • 38 min
    How to Identify & Heal Your Origin Wounds (we all have them)

    How to Identify & Heal Your Origin Wounds (we all have them)

    I had the absolute pleasure to have a conversation with the amazing Vienna Pharaon about how breaking family patterns can liberate the way we live and love.
    Vienna Pharaon is a licensed marriage and family therapist and one of New York City’s most sought after relationship therapists. She has practiced therapy for over fifteen years and is the founder and owner of the group practice, Mindful Marriage and Family Therapy. She has been
    featured in The Economist, Netflix, Vice, and Motherly, and has led workshops for Peloton and Netflix, amongst others. Her book "The Origins of You" is a National Bestseller.

    We talk about:


    Why we adopt and adapt to family's beliefs and behaviors
    The difference between belonging and fitting in
    How origin wounds, such as prioritization and belonging wounds, can impact relationships and the ability to trust others 
    How we can heal from these origin wounds and break free from unwanted patterns
    Why tolerating discomfort and taking risks are necessary for change and empowerment.

    You will learn so much from Vienna about the impact of attachment, authenticity, and family dynamics on relationships and how origin wounds can shape our behaviors and choices in relationships. This is a must listen if you want to heal and break free from unhealthy patterns and create healthier, more fulfilling relationships. 

    Website: https://viennapharaon.com
    Instagram: @mindfulmft
    What is Your Origin Wound? Quiz: https://1wsm6geg69z.typeform.com/to/d981R7Cl

    For more free tips and up to date information, click here to register for the Smart Dating Academy free newsletter!   https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact

    Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/smartdatingacademy/

    • 51 min
    How to Create Boundaries in Dating

    How to Create Boundaries in Dating

    Bela has a wonderful conversation with Relationship Maven Dr. Abby Medcalf. She is a psychologist, author, podcast host and TEDx speaker who has helped thousands of people think differently so they can create connection, ease and joy in their relationships (especially the one with yourself)!


    With over 35 years of experience, Abby is a recognized authority and sought-after speaker at organizations such as Google, Apple, AT&T, Kaiser, PG&E, American Airlines and Chevron and she’s been a featured expert on CBS and ABC news, and has been a contributor to the New York Times, Women’s Health, Psychology Today, Well+Good and Bustle.


    They talk about:


    The number one problem in relationships (and it's not what you think!)
    The importance of identifying and clarifying your own needs and standards in a relationship
    What trust in a relationship is built on 
    What boundaries should be based on how to communicate them EFFECTIVELY
    Collaborative questions can deepen understanding and connection in conversations
    Giving others the benefit of the doubt and seeking clarification before making assumptions



    This is a must listen if you want to gain invaluable insights and guidance to improve your relationship and create more fulfilling connections with your partner. Dr. Abby is truly a gem!


    Website: https://abbymedcalf.com
    Newly Released Book: Boundaries Made Easy; Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy


    For more free tips and up to date information, click here to register for the Smart Dating Academy free newsletter!   https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact

    Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/smartdatingacademy/

    • 56 min
    Spotting a Toxic Relationship

    Spotting a Toxic Relationship

    This week we welcome Dr. Heidi Brocke to the podcast and you will LOVE the gems that she will drop on us! Dr. Heidi Brocke is a Toxic Relationship Awareness & Healing Specialist. After spending 14 years in an extremely emotionally and narcissistically abusive relationship she broke the chains and turned her past into her passion. She’s an international keynote speaker, recipient of Empowering Women in Business of The Year award by Inspiring Lives Magazine, and has been featured in both Forbes and Time Magazines for the dedication given to her clients and for her work in the toxic relationship area.

    We talked about:


    Spotting a Toxic Relationship (and wait til you hear her 'unconventional' checklist)
    Trusting Your Gut (your internal alarm system!)
    Understanding Emotional Abuse (it can be very sneaky)
    Taking the Time to Heal
    What to Do When Children are Involved
    Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing YOU
    Reaching Out for Support

    Dr. Heidi wonderfully highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing toxic relationships. This is a must listen! Trust your instincts, take care of yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’ve got this!


    Website: www.coachingwithdrheidi.com


    For more free tips and up to date information, click here to register for the Smart Dating Academy free newsletter!   https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact

    Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/smartdatingacademy/

    • 54 min
    HOW to Break Up With Someone

    HOW to Break Up With Someone

    This episode will take the mystery out of the BEST and most humane way to break up with someone that you've been dating for any extended amount of time, and is with Natalia Juarez. Natalia is a seasoned relationship coach specializing in heartbreak. Following a broken engagement at the age 29, she redefined heartbreak as an opportunity for transformation. In 2014, she started helping individuals in navigating romantic hardships and fostering healthy relationships.

    We talk about:


    How one can be sure that breaking up is the right decision
    How to not blindside your partner with a breakup
    Choosing the right time and place to initiate a breakup
    In what circumstances it would be appropriate to break up through a phone call or text
    Strategies to maintain firmness while also showing compassion during the breakup conversation
    Setting boundaries after a breakup to ensure both parties have space to heal
    When it's appropriate to consider reestablishing contact after a breakup 



    Natalia's Website: Lovistics.com
    Follow Natalia on IG: @thebreakupcoach
    Free Breakup Scripts


    For more free tips and up to date information, click here to register for the Smart Dating Academy free newsletter!   https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact

    Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/smartdatingacademy/

    • 39 min
    Navigate Change WITH EASE and Create the Life You WANT!

    Navigate Change WITH EASE and Create the Life You WANT!

    This week I welcome my esteemed colleague and great friend Jenny Stevens to the podcast. Jenny is a licensed clinical counselor turned personal/ professional/divorce coach. She is known as 'The Champion for Change' having gone through her own share of difficult life changes.

    We talk about:


    How working with SDA has helped her find the lid to her pot
    The difficult changes that Jenny had to navigate to lead her to where she is now
    How to redesign your life in 3 simple steps 
    The importance of mindset and breaking free of our limiting beliefs
    The Top 5 mindset hacks
    How to break free from perfection and overthinking

    Jenny will inspire you to not wait for a life changing event to create the life you want. You can do anything you set your mind to! Life is so short, don’t wait!

    https://jennystevenscoach.com/

    For more free tips and up to date information, click here to register for the Smart Dating Academy free newsletter!   https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact

    Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/smartdatingacademy/

    • 47 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
120 Ratings

120 Ratings

Steph Anne S ,

What a wealth of knowledge!

I have been listening to Smart Dating for a few years. I have gotten so many great bites of info and knowledge not just for dating but for my life. Thank you Bella for leading us down a more insightful path in life! ❤️❤️❤️

Susie Ready ,

I LOVE Bela Gandhi’s SDA podcast

Dear Bela - I have listened to almost every single episode of your podcasts back to last fall and I’m going to keep going because I’m jloving them and I’m learning so much! I’ve discovered that you are brilliant, wise, intuitive, discerning, and you know how to quicky pinpoint the issues. Not just for romantic relationships, but for any type of relationship. And it’s so great that you’re willing to apply the teachings to your own life (real time therapy) — like when you talk about your relationship with your husband Andy or that episode about trauma where you analyzed your communication with your son when you were driving him to school! I sent that one to a friend to help her communicate with her own teen son. Your guests on every show are amazing and I take away helpful nuggets from each one. It’s hard to choose one favorite episode because I love so many. Listening to one of your podcasts before going on a date always makes me feel grounded, positive and hopeful. Thank you for offering this gift to the world.

erin 26 ,

Really Needed this Podcast!

Bela is a gem! Her approach to dating makes so much sense. And her kindness and optimism gives me hope and excitement for the future. Like others, I sooooo wish I could have learned this stuff back in my 20’s!

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