In this episode, I sit down with Chad Olson, a licensed marriage and family therapist and the director of the St. George Institute, to discuss the struggles of loneliness and isolation that many single adults face. We talk about the mental and emotional toll prolonged isolation can have, why loneliness can sometimes cause people to shut others out, and how to remain open to emotional intimacy even in difficult moments. Chad also shares sustainable skills and practices that can help when feelings of loneliness feel especially heavy, and we imagine what could change if we restructured the way we approach dating, community, and connection to better address the loneliness epidemic. This conversation offers practical tools and hopeful perspectives for anyone navigating the challenges of being on their own.

In this episode, I sit down with Alyssa Chapman, who was a contestant on Provo’s Most Eligible, to talk about the impact reality dating shows have on how we view dating. Alyssa shares what it was really like to be on the show, how the experience shaped her own views on dating, and what lessons she took away that can apply to real life. Together, we discuss why we’re so captivated by this kind of media, what it reveals about us as a culture, and how we can start creating a healthier environment around dating, both on screen and in real life.

In this episode, I’m joined by the Oveson brothers, Riley and Rich, for a conversation about how guys can level up the way they present themselves in today’s dating world, physically, digitally, and socially. While the advice can apply to everyone, this episode was inspired by watching my female friends swipe through dating apps and noticing that most guys don't present themselves in the best light. We dive into practical tips for improving your style, health, and confidence without losing authenticity. We also talk about building real confidence when interacting with the opposite gender and how to strike a healthy balance between self-improvement and self-acceptance. Our goal is to help more people feel confident, authentic, and intentional in how they show up, online and in person, to create a better dating experience for everyone.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. James B. Stein, a communications professor at Utah Tech University, who specializes in relationship studies. We discuss how understanding key communication principles that impact success in early dating, like nonverbal cues, vocalics, and body language. Dr. Stein shares practical tools for becoming more aware of these subtle signals and explains how they impact connection and trust. We also dive into common communication pitfalls in early dating, such as ghosting, over-texting, and setting expectations too quickly or too late. Dr. Stein offers thoughtful advice on how to avoid these traps and create healthier, more intentional communication habits that support authentic connection from the start.

In this episode, I’m joined by Alexia Elkington, the Digital Marketing Manager for the popular dating app Mutual. Alexia gives us an inside look at how the app’s algorithm really works, including what boosts your chances of success and what could be quietly killing your profile without you even knowing it. We also dive into messaging strategies that can lead to real dates and meaningful connections. We tackle the bigger picture: How can we make dating apps a healthier, more respectful space for everyone involved? Whether you’re a Mutual pro or just testing the waters, you’ll walk away with practical tips, a new perspective, and even a bonus crazy Mutual story you won’t want to miss.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Cameron Chatwin. I have always been so impressed with Cam’s unshakable positivity and the way he finds joy in every moment, even when life isn’t going as planned, especially while dating. We dive into how he’s maintained such a hopeful outlook, even through hard times, and the role that faith in God and Jesus Christ has played in giving him deeper purpose and, most importantly, the hope to keep trying. Cam also shares what he wishes he could tell his younger self about navigating the highs and lows of dating and singleness, offering real, heartfelt advice on learning to love yourself and seeking people who truly see and value you. Lastly, Cam shares his thoughts on changes the dating world needs, like putting down our phones to showing up with more respect for everyone we date, and more realistic expectations for communication. This conversation is full of wisdom, energy, and encouragement for anyone trying to date with more purpose and hope. 

In this episode, I’m joined by Michelle Lupien Lieber, a Family Studies & Human Development professor at Utah Tech and a BYU master’s graduate, to talk about why dating, relationships, and pursuing marriage still matter for young adults today. Michelle shares how pursuing genuine romantic connections puts us into situations where we have to grow into better, more complete individuals, and what’s at risk when we stop seeking them. We explore the challenges of modern dating, from dating apps and social media to changing cultural expectations, especially in Utah. Michelle also offers advice on how to overcome these obstacles by being your authentic self to allow real and healthy relationships to blossom. 

In this episode, I'm joined by Cole Trimmer as he shares his inspiring journey into the world of solo travel and how it’s transformed the way he views relationships and dating. Most people imagine going on adventures with a spouse and kids, but Cole opens up about what pushed him to start traveling solo. We explore what he's learned about himself along the way and how those experiences have shifted his dating values, leading him to value connection and shared purpose above material things. Cole also offers his take on how we can all create a healthier dating experience by staying grounded in our own unique journeys instead of comparing timelines. Whether you’re navigating singleness, travel, or self-growth, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Hannah's story is filled with faith, love, and unimaginable strength. After marrying the love of her life, Kage, she faced a heartbreak few could imagine as he passed away while serving in the military shortly after they were married. Living through this impossible situation and many others, Hannah has earned an incredible perspective on life, relationships, and dating that she graciously shares with us in this episode. We discuss how she used tragedy to draw closer to God instead of pushing Him away, the beautiful advice she would give her younger self at the beginning of her relationship with Kage ("there’s no such thing as loving too much"), and her thoughts on how we can all help create a healthier dating experience for everyone involved. If you’re searching for hope, healing, or just a reminder of what really matters, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we're joined by Alex Johnson, a Utah Tech ambassador, President of the St. George Institute, wedding DJ, improv comic, and an all-around people person. In our conversation, we explore how creativity, confidence, and connection all play a role in successful modern dating. Alex shares how improv comedy has shaped the way he dates to have fun, why putting yourself in new experiences builds genuine self-confidence, and what he believes could make the dating scene healthier for everyone. If you're looking for a fun and much-needed perspective on dating, this one's for you.

In this episode of The Relationship Comeback, I’m joined by Norm Thibault, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a PHD in counseling psychology and nearly 30 years of experience. He received his training from many of the top relationship and family studies professionals in the world. Together, we tackle some of the toughest challenges in today’s dating world: how to maintain a healthy self-view despite constant rejection, how mental health affects your capacity for real connection, and one major blind spot our culture has when it comes to building meaningful relationships. Whether you're taking a break, actively dating, in a long-term relationship, or somewhere in between, the advice given by Norm is something all of us need to hear. 

In this episode of The Relationship Comeback, we dive into the tension between the life you imagined vs the reality you're living. We explore the emotional weight of unmet expectations and what it takes to find peace in the middle of it. You'll also hear thoughts on how dating has evolved over the years and how we can thrive in this evolution. Camille shares her thoughts on what we can each do to build a healthier, more intentional dating culture. Whether you're struggling with the gap between where you are and where you thought you'd be, or just want to be part of a better dating world, this one's for you.

In this episode of The Relationships Comeback, I’m joined by my good friend Janessa Houston as we break down the current state of dating for young adults. We discuss the challenges of modern dating—ghosting, unrealistic expectations, and lack of intentionality—and explore what we can do to create a healthier, more fulfilling dating environment. We also discussed if we could go back in time, what advice would we give our younger selves about relationships? We dive into key topics like communication, setting realistic expectations, and being intentional in dating. This conversation is full of insights to help you navigate the dating world with more confidence and clarity.

In this first episode of The Relationships Comeback, I dive into the moment I realized dating was unlike anything else in my life—no matter how hard I worked, prayed, or wanted it, the outcome was completely out of my control. That soul-crushing realization set me on a journey of emotional resilience and led to a prompting I’ve ignored for three years: to start this podcast. This podcast is my journey to figuring out dating, personal growth, and emotional resilience, and I hope it becomes a space where others can find support, healing, and a better way forward to create a healthier culture surrounding dating and the pursuit of genuine relationships.