In our latest podcast episode , we had the privilege of diving deep into the world of dating, self-discovery, and personal growth with the brilliant host of the ‘Seeing Other People’ podcast, Ilana Dunn. If you’ve never tuned into her show, you’re missing out on a treasure trove of insights into the wild and wonderful world of dating and relationships. Ilana has a remarkable ability to captivate audiences worldwide with her candid and heartfelt conversations on these topics, offering wisdom that resonates with anyone who’s ever sought love or grappled with the complexities of the human heart. Safe to say it was a wholeheartedly enlightening hour for myself and Joe in a lot of different aspects. This episode was particularly significant as it marked our inaugural episode together, with me stepping into the role of the new podcast co-host. So I thought each week I’d do a little recap of what you can expect in each episode, along with lessons learnt along the way and some exclusive sneak peeks into future ep’s…

What sets Ilana apart is not just her ability to dissect the complexities of modern romance, but also her commitment to helping others navigate it all. Her unique approach is both lively and wise, which makes her not only a delight to talk/listen to, but also a strong advocate for all aspects of dating and love. One of the key takeaways from our conversation that I think will resonate heavily with a lot of people, was the idea that dating isn’t just about finding the right person; it’s also a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Ilana emphasizes that the dating process can teach us a lot about who we are, what we value, and what we’re ultimately looking for in a partner. That it’s a profound exploration of our desires, insecurities, and emotional landscapes.

I also found it so interesting that Ilana’s own experiences as an engaged woman adds a unique dimension to her role as a dating guru. She discussed how being in a committed relationship hasn’t diminished her ability to connect with singles seeking love. In fact, it has given her a deeper perspective on the challenges and joys of dating, as she can draw from her personal journey while also empathizing with those who are still searching for their own love story.

Lessons I learnt along the way ? So, so many. Ilana had a wealth of knowledge to impart and I soaked it all in. But one of the more pivotal and personal takeaways from this episode was the importance of actively listening and giving our guests ample space to express themselves without interruption – aka shutting the fuck up when guests are speaking lol. It underlined the significance of creating a space where our guests can freely express themselves without interruptions. This not only enhances the quality of our conversations but also shows respect to our guests and allows our audience to fully absorb the wealth of knowledge they bring. Nobodies perfect, especially when first stepping into a new venture but it’s simple yet profound piece of advice I shall take on as I feel it has the power to elevate the caliber of our podcast.

Additionally, I always knew I spoke quite quickly, Australian’s typically do but god damn…. I could barely understand myself haha. So the need to adopt a more deliberate and measured pace in my speech was another crucial point of growth emphasised during the episode. It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement of the podcast, especially when discussing intriguing topics with fascinating guests like Ilana. However, I noticed that speaking at a more measured pace benefits both our guests and our audience so just know, that is something I’m working on.

Check out the full episode here, Ilana’s social’s here and I highly recommend tuning into Seeing Other People wherever you listen to your podcasts. Stay tuned for next weeks episode, where we have an incredibly special guest joining us in studio. An EP you definitely don’t want to miss. AND, don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube page and follow us on Instagram and TikTok for the sneakiest peeks into future episodes, upcoming events and all the delicious dating content our amazing team puts together. Until next time xx