Finding Love Podcast

Making a memorable first impression in the online dating world starts with optimizing your profile. You have mere seconds to grab attention, so your photos need to pop. Photographer Kelsey Kurtis shares tips for how to stand out in an online crowd. Today’s episode features a fun conversation with Nancy’s favorite brand photographer, Kelsey Kurtis – the ultimate cheerleader for self-expression in business and in life. Nancy and Kelsey reveal how to stand out and embrace the authentic YOU in your dating profile photos. Kelsey breaks down color psychology, how to find the perfect light, and why bringing intentional personal branding into your dating profile will make a world of difference. She shares her favorite tips on curating the perfect photos for your dating profile. Her advice is to take the spotlight and SHINE – even if it feels a little awkward. Kelsey opens up about her own journey in love, including her first marriage, (and the plot twist that dropped Nancy’s jaw), and how she’s re-branded heartbreak into her “phoenix” moment. Nancy and Kelsey discuss the challenges of navigating divorce in their 30s and the pressure to start over in the dating scene. Tune in to Episode 30 for inspiration and practical advice on how to shine bright, unleash your authentic self, and forge genuine connection through personal branding.

Are your midlife dating wheels spinning? If you want to get out of your romantic rut, you need to overcome what’s keeping you stuck. Let’s get your search for love back on track. In Episode 29, Nancy highlights the top three categories of dating “stuckness”– avoidance, burnout, and losing sight of the dream. You’re in avoidance when you start pretending Finding Love doesn’t matter. Your dreams don’t vanish when you turn away from them. The key to overcoming avoidance is to be honest and patient with yourself, and take small steps towards your goal. Midlife dating burnout comes from being repeatedly disappointed by the negative aspects of modern dating (and there are plenty). Try optimizing your approach by dating more than one person at a time and reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth. Lastly, losing sight of your dream can sabotage your search by making love seem impossibly out of reach. To reignite your belief in love, Nancy encourages visualizing as many details as you can about your ideal partnership. Fantasy is fun! Shake yourself out of your midlife dating rut by following Mindset shifts with practical Action steps. Explore new dating sites, broaden your parameters, and take a look inward for self-discovery and awareness. If you're ready to break free of your rut, Episode 29 offers the guidance and encouragement you need. Tune in to discover how to get unstuck! [5:46] The dream of Finding Love wasn’t going away. I had a choice to either fulfill that dream, or leave it unfulfilled.

When your marriage ends, it’s easy to believe your chance for love ends with it. This is the moment to reclaim your love story and decide to thrive. Guess who’s back to dish on what it’s like dating after divorce? It’s the fabulous Deb Beroset of It’s Time For Moxie! We’re talking about how to jump into the post-divorce dating world with confidence and joy. How do you get back out there after a split? Deb has been divorced six times so she brings some seasoned wisdom to the conversation. Deb and Nancy talk about the major mindset shifts required to see divorce as a time of pure possibility, a beautiful chance for growth. They discuss how post-divorce healing, dating intentionally, and knowing yourself are the keys to dating after divorce and finding a meaningful relationship. Ready to break old dating and relationship habits? It starts with keeping an eye out for the characteristics in people you date, and noticing how you respond to those energies. Your reactions to people and situations reveal your own patterns. Ask yourself what you’ve been drawn to in the past, and how seeing yourself more clearly can help you shape your romantic future. Tune in to Episode 28 for advice and inspiration on Finding Love after Divorce. Quotes: [24:15] That’s how you break a pattern – by noticing your response to it.

Getting ready for dates is sometimes the most stressful part. What to wear? How to show up? Lindsey Bernay, fashion stylist extraordinaire, joins this episode to talk about why personal style and dating go hand in hand, and how to dress for dating success. If you’re looking for love in midlife, chances are you’re putting energy, attention, and focus into that project. Lindsey reminds us that shifting your approach to fashion can be just as transformative as changing your approach to dating. It's about stepping out of your comfort zone while staying true to yourself. Mindset tip: If you want something new in your life, it starts with YOU. So, what are you willing to do differently to get what you want? How can you show up in your search for love as your best and most attractive self? This translates to your closet! Nancy remembers her old "dating uniforms" (baggy and black). They were familiar and easy, but made her feel invisible. She and Lindsey discuss the importance of being bold and standing out when you’re looking for love. Lindsey shares her philosophy behind a “Dating Capsule Wardrobe” and how putting real effort into your style is an expression of self-care and self-love. Join Nancy and Lindsey on episode 27 as they chat about how fashion can elevate your dating journey and help you to show up for yourself in every aspect of your life. “Self-care and self-love includes your wardrobe and the way you present yourself to the world.”

Does dating in midlife feel like a chore? It’s time to reframe dating and looking for love after 50. You can’t attract happiness if you’re gritting your teeth through every step of the journey. In episode 26, Nancy shares a game-changing moment from her grueling L.A. workout days, and how one thing her fitness instructor said changed her outlook on everything. So, what's the key? How can you give your search for love the right energy and focus? Start by asking yourself these three questions: 1. What are your goals in love? 2. How do you define success in the dating world? 3. And most importantly, what are you willing to do to make it happen? Nancy shares her story about reaching a point where she felt resigned to a life without love. She believed that the chance for finding it had passed her by. Then one day, she rediscovered hope with a profound mindset shift. She invites listeners to reflect on the energy they bring to their own dating journeys, and how to reshape that energy to get what they want. Tune in to episode 26 and ask yourself, “What am I bringing to this project of finding love?” Let that question help you redefine your approach to romance in midlife. Remember – loving the process is just as important as getting the results. Treat Finding Love like a fun project AND a priority. Quotes: "There’s no happy ending to an unhappy journey."

When it comes to finding love, how much do you really trust your intuition? The more tuned in you are, the easier your path to love becomes. In Episode 25, Nancy chats with Julie Ryan – intuitive psychic and healer – to explore the all-important role intuition plays when it comes to finding love. Julie offers her favorite hack – her iconic 2-Minute rule – to nip romantic anxiety and fear in the bud, and explains why it’s vital to keep clarity top of mind when you’re looking for connection. Curious about soulmates? Nancy and Julie advocate for multiple soul partners throughout your life. They say that these connections and possibilities evolve and grow as we do! Even if you believe that the love of your life has come and gone, that doesn’t mean there won’t be more love out there waiting for you, in ways that might surprise you. Nancy and Julie also tap into the spiritual aspect of being in a midlife relationship, noting the importance of trusting your inner wisdom instead of overthinking, over-analyzing, and making everything more complicated than it needs to be. Love is about how you feel when you’re with your person, and it helps when you understand how to use your internal GPS. The healing power of love is not just about finding a partner, it's about finding yourself in those moments of enlightenment that happen along the way. Quote: "Love is a creative act. In order to feel love, we have to create ways to give love."

The key to unlocking the transformative power of love in your 3rd Act is developing the muscle of MINDSET. Not once, but over and over again. Nancy recaps her guest segment at the International Women's Day Virtual Summit, where she talked about how finding love in midlife changes everything, and why it all starts with Mindset. To attract the love you want, you have to put the right energy, focus, and emotional resonance out into the world. In other words, you get what you give. Nancy's signature approach – Mindset, Planning, and Action – helps love seekers shore up the strength, strategy, and confidence they need to find and keep lasting love. Mindset is all about who you are, what you want, and why it matters to you. But shifting your Mindset isn't as simple as flipping a switch. It takes the courage to look inside yourself, and the willingness to challenge ingrained beliefs. In the middle of life, this kind of gut-level transformation needs to start from within. Nancy shares some from her decades of searching for love (inside and out), and the realization that changed everything for her. It’s time to take an exploratory deep dive into how you want to feel in love. Hold on tight, because you may surprise yourself. Quotes: [3:40] Shine the spotlight, internally. Start with the feeling.

Once you find love, how do you keep the connection, communication, and spark alive? Nancy talks about nurturing a relationship in midlife by making daily, intentional choices. It’s important to remember that love isn't a one-time decision. Being in love is something you choose every day, by actively showing up for yourself and your partner. Relationships are dynamic, living things. There’s nothing passive or static about love. So, if you’ve found love in the middle of life, what does it look like? How does it feel? In what ways will it evolve? Tune in for some words of wisdom to help you embrace the NEW while honoring your past experiences, and growing together as a couple. One of the most important things Nancy has discovered about finding love after 50 is how important it is to bridge the gap between your communication style and your partner’s. Tune in to learn a simple but effective strategy she and her husband David learned from the Love Doctor herself, Dr. Laura Berman. Love is a journey, not a destination. Whether you're in the thick of a long-term relationship, starting fresh in your 3rd Act, or somewhere in between, the key is choosing love – every day.

Nancy and her longtime friend Jenny Banks talk about the realities of Finding Love in your 3rd Act, and why it’s so important to have a purpose and a plan. In Episode 22, Nancy chats with her friend of many years, Jenny Banks, a Chicago-based career coach and recruitment specialist. They discuss why it’s important to navigate midlife dating using all the tools at your disposal – like Zoom and dating apps. They weigh the pros and cons of online dating, when and why to swipe right and left, how to avoid getting sucked into endless scrolling, and when the investment of meeting someone in person pays off (and when it doesn't). Jenny shares insights from her experience as a corporate recruiter, and why it’s important to “cast a wide net” in your search for the right career AND in the dating world. Tune in to get the scoop on dating Essentials vs Deal-breakers and how to set boundaries for yourself and the people you date. Nancy and Jenny agree that a solid dating plan is an act of empowerment. If you're ready to find love in your 3rd Act, don't miss this episode. It's time to get off the bench, seize the moment, and date with intention! “Your 3rd Act isn’t the time to sit on the sidelines, it's the stage where action meets magic.”

We all know getting rejected feels bad, but how do you feel delivering the rejection? Saying “no” with kindness is an art you can (and should) master in dating. In the quest for love, you will meet plenty of people who aren’t right for you. But how do you deliver rejection without feeling like a dream-crusher? Here’s the deal: women tend to be extra mindful of others' feelings. It’s a beautiful trait, but it can make turning someone down feel like walking a tightrope. You want to be kind, but more than anything, you need to be HONEST. Nancy tells us why having a break-up script at the ready can take the guesswork out of the “we’re not right for each other” conversation. The trick is to be kind and clear. Learn how to NOT leave the door open for interpretation, and don’t let the other person debate you out of your feelings! Remember, rejection isn’t always a bad thing! As Gabby Bernstein says, it can be a form of protection, guiding us away from paths that aren’t meant for us. Being upfront saves everyone time and heartache. Tune in to Episode 21 for insights on navigating rejection with grace and integrity, empowering yourself and others in the pursuit of lasting love. In this episode Nancy shares: The Break-Up Script: Clear communication helps avoid messy ambiguity. Balancing Empathy and Integrity: When you operate in integrity, and proceed with kindness, you ensure you’re true to YOU. Midlife Dating Wisdom: Dating in your 3rd act means you’ve learned to take some things in stride. We all know by now that not every connection will work. Quote: [4:11] “Start with a self-awareness that you’re doing this person a kindness by being honest. Nobody wants to be strung along.”

In the last episode, Nancy and her guest Deb Beroset chatted about what they look for in deal partners and how to get what they want. Today, they’re tackling a common hurdle in the path to love after 50 and dating after divorce: Comparison Complex. How often do you find yourself scrolling through social media, seeing friends in seemingly perfect relationships, and feeling that pang of envy? You’re not alone! Nancy and Deb discuss how this comparison game is a major sabotage to your self-worth. But they agree that you can keep Comparison Complex from dragging you down by reframing it as a sign of what you truly desire. Jealousy is just your intuition giving you a nudge, confirming what you want. Nancy and Deb share pearls of wisdom on how to transform moments of comparison into opportunities for self-reflection and growth. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for finding love. There’s no picture-perfect relationship. Your love story is unique, worthy, and it’s all YOURS. Listen to Episode 20 to embrace life’s twists and turns, and believe that your journey is leading you exactly where you need to be. When you trust your story, you become a magnet for the love you deserve. Quote: "Comparison Complex can be the catalyst that gets us moving. It helps us admit that we want something we were not courageous enough to admit before."

Girlfriend chat! Nancy and her guest, Deb Beroset, put it all on the table in their heart-to-heart about midlife love, dating after divorce, and why to never dim your light – for anyone. Deb – founder of Moxie, in her early 60s, and newly divorced – joins Episode 19 to talk about being out in the dating world, again. She’s here to help debunk some common dating myths that hold people back when they’re looking for “3rd Act” romance. Deb says that no matter where you are in life, love is within reach. From how to navigate dating apps to the most upfront and transparent ways to vet men before you meet them – this is a “notes from the field” episode. Tune in to learn how to lean into every new encounter with real excitement. Throw away age-related shame and limiting beliefs. And keep your heart open to the unexpected but still grounded in the moment. Most of all, listen to Nancy and Deb chat about what makes midlife dating enlightening, rewarding, and FUN. Whether you’re swiping left, right, or still on the edge of jumping into dating after 50, this episode is your guide to not just finding love, but embracing the magic and mystery of it with open arms.

If you’re looking for love in midlife, welcome to your Act 3! It’s the part in the story where everything comes together and the leading lady gets exactly what she wants. The marvelous third act in life isn’t about slowing down or giving up, it's about embracing new opportunities and claiming what you want – loud and proud – especially in the realm of love. Today Nancy is breaking down how you can help your Act 3 reach its crescendo. Stepping into the dating world in midlife can feel like a big leap, so it’s important to do it with confidence. Real confidence is about more than how you dress or maneuver small-talk (which are important), but rather the genuine assuredness that comes with knowing yourself. When you devote time to reflect on yourself, you get clear about how to attract the love that’s meant for you, and how to show up as your highest self in a loving relationship. Don’t forget, the Finding Love approach is about Mindset, Planning, and Action – the foundation for success in midlife dating. In episode 18, Nancy explores the importance of mindset shifts, strategic planning, and intentional action so that you can date in a way that sets you up for success in your third act. Midlife dating can easily lead to overwhelm and burnout, but when you set out on your path with clarity and purpose, the journey gets a whole lot better. “You belong in the dating world, just as much as anyone else.”

A confidence crisis can prevent you from finding the love you deserve. So let’s practice boosting your belief in yourself and striding into midlife dating with your head held high. In Episode 17, we explore the intricacies of midlife love, taking a look at self-doubts, lack of confidence, and even imposter syndrome. (We’ve all been there at one time or another.) Join Nancy on a trip down memory lane to her LA dating days, where she felt like a fish out of water. How did she stay energized and positive? Nancy shares some practical tips to uplevel confidence on the quest for love, including the power of intentional writing and positive manifestation. Learn why having the right Mindset and Plan on your Finding Love path is a major game-changer in showing up for yourself. Uncover the importance of being your own ally by challenging negative self-talk and affirming your lovability. The trick is to learn to embrace every part of yourself. Once you do, you’ll realize that Self-Love is the most powerful love of all – it opens up all the doors to what you want. Tune in for insights, stories, and practical tips to embrace the love you deserve. Mentioned in this episode- selfwork.co daily planner Quotes: “Part of being human is that we love each other imperfectly. We are all a part of the same imperfect love story.”

The first rule in the law of attraction is the energy you put out into the world is exactly what you will get back. That goes for everything, especially Finding Love. In Episode 16, we’re talking about how to attract love into your life. Start by being completely open and transparent about it. Declare it to the universe! No need for secret endeavors. Empower yourself to tell your story without shame, embarrassment, or worry. If you’re afraid that your friends are “tired” of hearing about how much you want to find a partner – or even if you're tired of hearing it yourself 😆– it’s time to let your Love Flag Fly! When we downplay our needs and desires to ourselves and those around us, it has an impact. Self-neglect leads to self-sabotage. In this episode we explore the question: what do you gain from staying silent? Nada. Nancy shares an inspiring story about embracing her unabashed search for love in midlife. By announcing your quest for love, you expand your network, which makes it easier to attract what you want. Remember that your energy is powerful – cooperative forces will line up to help you. Nancy talks about putting that positive energetic vibe out into the world and how, in her Chicago days, she shared her story with close friends who became lifelong supporters, cheering for her as she searched for love. The bottom line – include friends in your love story because when you find what you’ve been looking for, they will be ready to share the joy right alongside you. If there’s one thing Nancy’s learned from her Finding Love journey is that it’s all one big love fest! 11:09 “Everybody that you love can help you further that love story, if you let them.”

If you are putting yourself out into the world of midlife dating, you will probably come face-to-face with rejection. The trick is to not let it turn you into a cynic. It's easy to succumb to cynicism after missed connections, bad dates, ghosting, you name it. But remember, love thrives on belief, hope, optimism, and JOY. In episode 15, Nancy emphasizes the importance of playing catch and release with cynicism, addressing it head-on to keep the search for midlife love lit with positivity. The choice to make finding love fun is in your hands. Don’t let the rejections take you offline. If you need to, you can always take a break, charge your batteries, reset, then send yourself back out there. Nancy shares a personal tale of rejection during her Chicago dating days – getting dumped by a pro wrestler! Learn how she bounced back and overcame the emotional sting. The lesson is this: Rejection may hurt, but it's not the end of your love story. You can and will attract people who believe in love by putting positive energy forward. Nancy delves into the profound connection between how we react to past rejections and how it shapes our dating future. [0:54] “There’s no place for cynicism in your search for love.”

Like any essential skill, dating small talk is something you can learn, practice, and get great at. In episode 14, we look at how to turn what may feel like a chore into a chance for real connection. Ever find yourself oversharing too many private details on a first date as a nervous reflex? Or fumbling for things to say and sitting for minutes on end in awkward silence? We’ve all been there. It may happen because you’re nervous (naturally), but it can also be that you’re unprepared, and at the crucial moments, your mind goes blank. Small talk is what happens during any initial conversation with strangers. Which is exactly what a first date is! So let’s get into how you can craft reliable topics of date conversation to keep in your back pocket. In this episode, Nancy introduces the concept of Content Pillars. The big three are: Greatest Hits, New Things, and Probing Questions. These Pillars are your date conversation lifesavers. They keep the dialogue moving along in the right direction. Nancy also covers Third Rail Conversations – instant chemistry killers (avoid at all costs). Communication is the magic elixir of a good date. Even if you don’t have much in common, when you share stories that are interesting, illuminating, and engaging, you’ll encourage your date to do the same. Don’t miss this episode for the secrets to making small talk FUN. [11:00] “Don’t walk into a date like a job interview. Keep the energy relaxed and light. Let your questions hang out in the back of your mind, but no need to stress about them. If you're swapping stories and keeping the conversation lively, you're on the right track!”

Your Repeatable Dating Plan is your own tailor-made playbook to dating in midlife. It will keep you organized, upbeat, and ready to find love. In Episode 13, we talk about why you need a game plan for your 2024 dating journey. Nancy gives us the download on the Repeatable Dating Plan – a tried-and-true guideline designed to keep you from burning out and giving up. This plan’s got three components: Mindset, Planning, and Action. When all three are working together, Finding Love feels like a fun adventure, not a dreadful chore. RDP in a Nutshell: Dress Code Dilemma Solved: No more staring at your wardrobe, agonizing over, "What do I wear?" Goal: Less stress, more confidence. Pick Your Date Spots: Choose favorite locations near you, where you feel comfortable and safe. Goal: No more driving long distances to meet a first date (he can come to you). Time Management 101: Be honest with yourself about how many dates you want to do in a week, and how long you spend on each one. Goal: Your time is precious, so stop overcommitting. The heart of your RDP is ensuring you actually ENJOY yourself while you look for love. Dating in midlife can be interesting, exciting, and fun – IF you have the right approach. Listen to episode 13 for more insights and practical wisdom on creating your Repeatable Dating Plan for 2024.

Letting love into your life is not just about outward appearances and actions. You need to look inward and root out the energetic barriers that block love and keep you stuck. In Episode 12, Nancy encourages us to kick off 2024 by taking an honest look at the physical and emotional spaces in our lives. How open are you to finding something real and lasting? Are parts of you resisting change? Are you putting up roadblocks to love? In this episode, Nancy tells an illuminating story: A few years ago she was chatting about finding love with Arielle Ford, the bestselling author of Wabi Sabi Love. She told Arielle that she had a bedside lamp that had been broken for years. Arielle immediately said, “You’ve got to fix that lamp!” As soon as Nancy had it repaired, a cascade of events quickly led to love. Moral of the story? Don't leave things broken, unattended, and gathering dust in a corner. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you’re open and ready when, deep down, your light is turned off. Tune in to Episode 12 for a chat about self-awareness, introspection, and creating space in your life where love can move right in, and feel it belongs.

Romantic snowfalls. Cozy firesides. Hallmark Christmas movies. The holidays can be hard if you’re looking for (and not yet finding) love. So let me tell you some wild stories I’ve heard recently (to take your mind off the mistletoe). Dating for the first time in midlife can lead to nutty stories, like the quest for an online overseas boyfriend, to tax fraud, to unexpected carjackings. In episode 11, Nancy spills some tea on the hijinx that can ensue when stepping into the dating arena later in life. After you pick your jaw off the floor, remember this: Finding love is a healing journey in itself, so don’t rush it or discount it just because you’ve got your eyes on the destination. The path is as enriching as the destination. Your search for love is a mirror, reflecting who you are and who you want to become. Be patient, embrace the commitment, and relish the self-discovery. Nancy offers advice for navigating the holiday dating scene with an open heart. Don’t hide away because you’re single. Everyone you love is part of your love story, and that includes friends, kids, family. Look at this season as a start – here comes a new year with fresh possibilities. “Along the way I learned a lot about loving myself, the kind of relationship I wanted to manifest, how I wanted to show up. And that itself is a healing journey.”

We pretend we don’t see them. We act like they don’t matter. We tell ourselves we can fix them down the road. Why all the stories we tell ourselves about red flags boil down to one thing. In Episode 10, Nancy talks about the core of what happens when you don’t heed red flags – you lie to yourself, which makes it harder and harder to trust yourself as time goes on. When you ignore your own intuition about warning signs in the people you date, you prove to yourself that you don’t have your own back. This is the most pernicious effect of not paying attention to red flags in midlife dating. Sooner or later, you may stop trusting yourself entirely. You’ll tell yourself that you’re just “bad at dating” or that “there’s no one for you out there” when in truth, you’re sabotaging yourself by not trusting your instincts and standing by your convictions. In this episode, Nancy breaks down the difference between red, green, and white flags in dating and relationships, and why it’s so important to adhere to our own definitions. Red = hard pass. Green = all systems go. White = pause and consider. A well-known red flag in the dating world is the all-too-common phenomenon of ghosting. Nancy delves into the nuances between ghosting, flakiness, and a total lack of connection. Getting clear about the stories you’re telling yourself about the dating experiences you're having will help you make better choices next time. Episode 10 also highlights a key ingredient in finding love during midlife — an openness to new experiences, both inside and out. It's not just about avoiding the dating drama. It’s about opening up to the good vibes that are coming your way.

Here’s the deal with guessing games – they’re just another red flag. Ever found yourself wondering, "Does he like me?" It's the kind of question that propels you right back to anxious adolescence. Midlife is no time for games! The person you’re dating should shine a light on you, not leave you in the dark. In Episode 9, Nancy talks about how important it is to both listen to your gut instincts AND recognize the signs of interest versus apathy in the men you date. She shares her own journey of dating men who left her confused and in the dark, and what a huge difference it made when she met David, who never once kept her guessing. She finally learned that actions speak louder than words. Nancy offers some valuable advice for those moments when you feel like you don’t know how he feels about you, and you’re wondering what to do next. (Hint: instead of worrying how he feels, ask yourself how the whole experience makes YOU feel. Then trust your intuition and act on it.) Listen in and get ready to shift from guessing to knowing in the realm of love.

Midlife dating is full of twists, turns, and the occasional ghost. Don’t let them shake your confidence. In episode 8, Nancy talks about why you’ll need to develop a bit of tough skin when you’re dating after 50. Online dating, especially in the middle of life, is a numbers game, and you can’t always count on the other players. In fact, a lot of people will self-select themselves OUT of your experience. Consider ghosting and other non-connections a filter to weed out people who don’t deserve to be in your orbit. Never forget that YOU are the chooser. Yes, you heard that right. It's time to shed the people-pleasing mentality, ladies! You are not waiting around to be chosen, you are deciding who gets to be in your life. Give yourself back that power. Nancy shares a few tips about how to recover from getting ghosted, and why it’s not a litmus test for how desirable you are. It says way more about the other person's communication style (or total lack thereof) than it does about your worth. The experience of finding love after 50 is as much about self-discovery as it is about finding the right person. Feel empowered to let each experience, even the ghostly ones, guide you toward what’s meant for you.

Hold onto your seats, ladies, because in episode 7, Nancy spices things up and ventures into the world of dating younger men. Should you do it? (Absolutely! But there ARE a few things to be aware of…) In today’s episode, Nancy unpacks the pros and cons of dating younger, how to tell if it’s the real deal, and how dating younger people means getting familiar with newer dating trends (*ahem* ethical non-monogamy). Regardless of what age pool you’re dipping yourself into, it’s essential to discuss intention – what do you want and what does he want? Communication ALWAYS plays a major factor in successful dating. Boundaries are healthy, but having too many prerequisites narrows your dating pool down to a sliver. So let’s talk about what things to focus on and what to ignore. The goal: lay all your cards on the table, be unapologetically honest about your desires, and dare to break free from society's raised eyebrows.

Your most essential tool for dating and looking for love after 50? Confidence! Whether you've been single for a hot minute or it's been years, self-confidence isn't just a perk – it's a total game changer. When you show up boldly, as your true self, you increase the likelihood of attracting what you actually WANT. (When you lead with dread, worry, and doubt, you may still attract someone, but not the right one.) Why wouldn't you want to unleash your most glittering, positive energy out into the world? Use your powers to tilt the odds in your favor for a healthy and beautiful relationship. In episode 6, Nancy gets into how to build dating confidence and why it's such an important component of the Finding Love journey. For her, it wasn't about adhering to Instagram wellness goals (although she does love her Instagram fitness coaches). It was about finding surprising new things – like weight lifting – that she genuinely enjoys. It doesn’t matter how old you are, you can always start something new. Habits and practices that make you feel better, inside and out, are priceless. Listen into this frank discussion about why showing up as the best version of yourself is the highest form of self-love. When you fall in love with yourself, others will fall in love too. So don’t be shy…carry that joy and confidence right into the heart of your midlife dating story.

If you’re out of practice, midlife dating can mean falling back into old patterns. This time around, Nancy invites you to try a different way. Years ago, in the thick of the dating game, Nancy was still searching for the red hot, thunderbolt of romance, an old pattern from her younger years. The kind of immediate passion that plays out on the big screen and leaves you breathless. This led her to men who thrive on big gestures and big talk, but don't follow up with any real substance. (Cue Carrie Bradshaw voiceover) I couldn't help but wonder… Why do we cling to things that we know aren't in our best interest, and how can we shift our mindset to explore something different? In episode 5, Nancy shares her tips for dating smarter. Start by recognizing that dating is often a numbers game, and finding your ONE TRUE LOVE may not happen on your first try. So make it easier on yourself and take it slow. In midlife, don’t let the tick tock of the clock rush you into making the wrong choices. Taking things slow doesn't have to feel boring, in fact, it might lead you to the most thrilling love story of your life.

Here's the deal: To write your fresh, new love story, you've got to break free of old patterns and cycles. In episode 4, Nancy dishes out wisdom on getting clear about your desires and how the first date should be a hint of potential, not an emotional rollercoaster. Nancy shares how she went from being a professional ruminator to realizing that dwelling in the past pulls you away from what you really want in your life. It might feel comforting and familiar, but it won't get you anywhere new. So often the main focus point of dating is just asking ourselves, “Am I feeling this? Is there chemistry? Is he into me?”, when instead we need to be asking, “WHO do I want to be in this relationship? How does this person add to my life, and how do I add to his?” Dating in midlife can be one of the best ways to get to know yourself…and guess what, you just may discover a whole new you.

Have the Rom Coms we love ruined us for online dating? Do we believe romance only happens in a Nancy Meyer movie? Dating apps can absolutely be the gateway to romance, passion, and excitement in a relationship. But just as importantly they can facilitate meaningful connections and authentic relationships. So don’t count them out. In episode 3, Nancy retells a story of the longest first date EVER and why it’s a great example of what a first date shouldn’t be. Sure, it started as a “meet cute” but it ended in flames. Learn about the pitfalls of chasing that “feeling” of falling in love, and why your dating plan needs to be more grounded in reality. It’s completely possible to date with mindful intention in midlife, and find true everlasting love. Your love story begins with YOU. 12:50: “Online dating can be super fun! It can turn into romance… but it doesn't have to start out there, which by the way is perfectly healthy and good.”

It’s time to believe in love again. If you’re blocked and burnt out, and it seems like the right guy is nowhere to be found, this episode is a must-listen. Is Prince Charming going to magically appear in your life? Can you meditate your way to finding the man of your dreams? Probably not. Nancy suggests practical steps to stack the deck in your favor as you look for lasting love. We all love Rom Coms but they have sold us an illusion that love is something completely spontaneous. The truth is, Finding Love (especially in midlife) is something to approach with mindfulness and intention. In this week’s episode, Nancy talks about her personal dating blocks that sabotaged her own online-dating experiences, and how she finally moved past them so that she could clear her path to love. 5:49: “When you lead with fear, you have stopped yourself in your own tracks. When you lead with joy, your energy flows in the direction of finding love.”

Welcome to the Finding Love podcast! Let’s talk about discovering love in midlife. In the first episode of Finding Love, your host Nancy Bruce recounts her own personal revelations about finding her happy true-love ending, a story that unfolded in her late 50s, after 22 years of dating. Nancy talks about the significant mindset shift that helped lead her to her husband, David, and the "aha moment" that helped her break free from old patterns and welcome in a new, beautiful kind of love. Nancy’s midlife love story is the important reminder that love has no timeline or expiration date. Your age doesn’t need to be a roadblock on your path to love, in fact, it can be your strongest asset! Whether you've been following Nancy's love journey for years or are a newbie looking for inspiration, guidance, and some tips that will actually work, this is the podcast for you.