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Hi! I'm back! at least for this week. Today's episode is a little more personal and raw!!! I’m sharing why I became a dating and relationships writer in the first place—and how my perspective on love, connection, and modern dating is evolving in real time. From where I think dating is headed to what I hope it could become, this is an honest update on what I’m learning (and unlearning). I talk about why taking risks in love matters more than we admit, why rejection might actually be one of the most valuable parts of dating, and how seeing your love life as a story—not a series of wins and losses—can change everything. Because at the end of the day, I don’t just think dating is about finding someone. I think it’s about living a life that’s interesting, meaningful, and worth telling stories about. And yes...love is a big part of that. Connect with Brie: Enjoy a 20% discount code for my Substack ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠briannehogan.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://briannehogan.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/lovebriehogan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@briannehogan

In this episode of Love, Brie, we’re spilling all the tea on dating younger men, age-gap relationships, and what love after 40 and 50 really looks like. I chat with Leslie Morgan Steiner, bestselling author and modern-love maven, about how dating younger men liberated her, challenged society’s rules, and gave her a whole new perspective on attraction. We dish on all the juicy stuff: the myths of “cougars,” why age really is just a number, and how dating outside your comfort zone can be fun, flirty, and totally freeing. I also get real about my own experience dating younger men for the first time—spoiler: it’s not a trend, it’s about curiosity, connection, and a little mischief. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to break the rules of conventional dating, or why midlife love can be thrilling, messy, and totally empowering, this episode is for you. Laugh, relate, and grab your favourite drink—because we’re serving it hot. Connect with Leslie: Website: https://www.lesliemorgansteiner.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/lesliebooks/ Connect with Brie: Enjoy a 20% discount code for my Substack ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠briannehogan.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://briannehogan.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/lovebriehogan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@briannehogan

In this episode, I reflect on my 2025 dating journey and the lessons learned along the way. From navigating textuationships to dating outside my usual type, I share how I embraced intentional dating and learned to value genuine connection. I explore why good grammar doesn’t replace real-life action, the importance of chemistry over “fine,” and why coffee dates sometimes need a playful twist. Plus, I reveal the power of letting yourself be pursued and why it’s okay to keep going even when dating gets tough. Join me for a candid, humorous, and empowering look at modern dating in your 40s. Because love is out there, and so are the lessons that lead us to it. Connect with Brie: Also, if you have questions about dating over 40, marriage, divorce or anything else, I want to hear from you. Send your emails to [email protected] and your question could be featured in an upcoming article on Yahoo's Romance, Redefined advice column Enjoy a 20% discount code for my Substack ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Read the Substack Essay here: https://briannehogan.substack.com/p/what-2025-taught-me-about-datingand Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠briannehogan.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://briannehogan.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/lovebriehogan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@briannehogan

n this episode of Love, Brie, I’m diving into what it really feels like to navigate the holidays as a single 42-year-old woman — and how to actually enjoy it. If the season has ever made you feel behind, lonely, or like you need a partner to make things “magical,” this episode is your reminder that your life isn’t missing anything. You’re allowed to have a beautiful, meaningful holiday on your own terms. I share my own honest tips for how to enjoy the holidays alone and how to create joy, comfort, and self-love when you’re single during the holidays. If you’re a single woman over 40, or just trying to make the holidays feel good again, this episode will give you grounding, softness, and a little sparkle. Tune in for real talk, self-love, and permission to build a holiday season that feels like you — exactly where you are, exactly as you are. read the substack essay here: https://briannehogan.substack.com/p/how-a-single-42-year-old-woman-enjoys Connect with Brie: Enjoy a 20% discount code for my Substack ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here. ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠briannehogan.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://briannehogan.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/lovebriehogan⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@briannehogan

On this episode of Love, Brie, I chat with Annette Benedetti, a Portland-based sex and intimacy coach and host of the globally acclaimed podcast Talk Sex With Annette (ranked in the top 2.5% worldwide!). Annette shares her bold and fascinating personal experiment: having an orgasm every single day for a year. We dive into her journey, exploring how dedicating yourself to daily orgasms can help you discover your own pleasure, approach sex and intimacy more mindfully, and unlock blended, internal, and multiple orgasms, both solo and with a partner. Some highlights from our conversation: Orgasms in your 40s: How libido changes with age and why it’s important to nurture it. Solo pleasure: Why you don’t need a partner to have a fulfilling orgasm and connect with your body. Understanding your body: How daily orgasm practice can deepen awareness of your own pleasure zones and desires. Mindful intimacy: How incorporating intentional orgasms can transform your sexual experience and self-love practices. Whether you’re in midlife or just looking to boost your sexual self-awareness, this episode is packed with insights on pleasure, libido, and orgasm mastery. Tune in to learn how orgasms aren’t just fun—they’re a vital tool for understanding and honouring your own body. Connect with Brie: Enjoy a 20% discount code for my Substack ⁠⁠⁠⁠here. ⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠briannehogan.ca⁠⁠⁠ Substack:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://briannehogan.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/lovebriehogan⁠⁠⁠ TikTok:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@briannehogan Connect with Annette: https://talksexwithannette.com/ https://substack.com/@talksexwithannette https://www.instagram.com/annettebenedetti/

I don’t do well in the early stages of dating—and I’ve finally accepted it. In this episode of Love, Brie, I share what I’ve realized about myself: I thrive as someone’s girlfriend, but the back-and-forth uncertainty of “getting to know you” is draining. I get candid about my own dating life, the patterns I’m noticing, and how I’m navigating the unsteady world of modern romance. If you’ve ever wondered why the first few weeks of dating feel so hard—or how to survive them without losing your mind—this episode is for you. Connect with Brie: Enjoy a 20% discount code for my Substack ⁠⁠⁠here. ⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠briannehogan.ca⁠⁠ Substack:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://briannehogan.substack.com/⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠www.instagram.com/lovebriehogan⁠⁠ TikTok:⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@briannehogan

This week on Love, Brie, we’re entering our Soft Girl Cuffing Season Era. Inspired by my recent Substack essay, I’m embracing this season with softness, warmth, and playful receiving energy — no chasing, no forcing, just trusting that the right connection will meet me where I am. In this episode, I share why I'm embracing my soft girl era at 42! As well as my soft girl Cuffing Commandments and Affirmations to help you stay grounded in your feminine energy, attract from a place of joy, and keep your heart open without losing yourself. Whether you’re single, dating, or somewhere in between, this episode is your reminder that being magnetic starts with being happy in your own life. It’s all about ease, trust, and letting love find you. Read the entire Substack essay here: https://briannehogan.substack.com/p/the-soft-girls-guide-to-cuffing-season Connect with Brie: Enjoy a 20% discount code for my Substack ⁠⁠here. ⁠ Website: ⁠briannehogan.ca⁠ Substack:⁠ ⁠⁠https://briannehogan.substack.com/⁠ Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/lovebriehogan⁠ TikTok:⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@briannehogan

Does dating often feel like a horror movie? On this episode of Love, Brie, I sit down with author and podcast hotst Rory Uphold (Crimes of the Heart, Sundance Fellow, TV writer) to talk about her upcoming book A FINAL GIRL’S GUIDE TO THE HORRORS OF DATING. We dive into ghosting, love-bombing vampires, and why some exes belong in the relationship graveyard. Plus, we swap personal dating disasters, share laughs, and unpack the inner fears that keep us stuck in toxic cycles. This episode is perfect for anyone navigating heartbreak, online dating, or just trying to survive the modern romance apocalypse. Connect with Brie: Enjoy a 20% discount code for my Substack ⁠here. Website: briannehogan.ca Substack: https://briannehogan.substack.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/lovebriehogan TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannehogan Connect with Rory: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icouldbeblonder/ Podcast Buy the book!

Confession: I swiped like a maniac on dating apps last week — and realized my needy energy was sabotaging my love life. In this episode, I get real about the subconscious patterns that make me overextend, chase the wrong men, and stay stuck on the ones who aren’t right for me. I share how I’m rewriting my dating life by: acknowledging my feelings, setting clear boundaries, cleaning up my matches, and shifting my energy to attract the kind of man I actually want — someone who’s directed, present, and genuinely interested. I also talk about retraining my nervous system with EFT tapping, daily affirmations, and learning to trust myself, the space, and the universe to bring the right love into my life. If you’re ready to stop playing games, stop over-giving, and start creating healthy, reciprocal connections, this episode is for you. Read the Substack essay here: https://briannehogan.substack.com/p/the-new-rules-im-setting-for-love Enjoy a 20% discount code for my Substack here. Connect with Brie Website: briannehogan.ca Substack: https://briannehogan.substack.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/lovebriehogan TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannehogan

Dating used to terrify me. I didn’t know what I wanted, I was scared of rejection, and honestly? I was scared of letting someone into my life. But somewhere along the way, I realized dating doesn’t have to be a chore — it can actually be fun. In this episode of Love, Brie, I talk about how to bring joy, curiosity, and lightness back to dating without the pressure, burnout, or endless swiping. Based on my Substack essay, “Let’s Make Dating Fun Again,” I share what helped me shift from fear to fun when it came to love and connection. I talk about:✨ How to focus on the experience, not the outcome✨ Why rejection isn’t personal (and how to handle it with grace)✨ The importance of having a fulfilling life outside of dating✨ Dating multiple people with integrity — and confidence✨ Why believing in love makes all the difference If you’ve been feeling jaded by modern dating or caught up in the “what ifs,” this episode is your permission slip to relax, let go of the rules, and enjoy the journey of dating again. Connect with Brie: Website: briannehogan.ca Substack: https://briannehogan.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannehogan Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lovebriehogan

This week, I’m joined by holistic sex coach and yoga instructor Jenna Switzer for a liberating conversation about sexuality in our 40s and beyond. We talk about why this stage of life can feel so freeing, how to care for ourselves and our pleasure, and what it means to put our sexual health and well-being first. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to embrace your desires, prioritize your pleasure, and feel more at home in your body as you age, this episode is for you. Connect with Brie: Website: ⁠⁠⁠briannehogan.ca⁠⁠⁠ Substack:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://briannehogan.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@briannehogan⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Jenna: Website: https://www.jennaswitzer.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Jenna_switzer/

Rejection stings, but it’s not the enemy—it’s actually a sign you’re on the right path in dating. In this episode of Love, Brie, I share how I’ve learned to reframe rejection as something to be proud of, not ashamed of. Every “no” isn’t proof that you’re failing—it’s proof that you’re showing up and moving closer to your “yes.” We’ll talk about why rejection is part of the process, how to get comfortable with it, and how to start seeing it as guidance instead of punishment. Because rejection isn’t about not being enough—it’s about alignment. Connect with Brie: Website: briannehogan.ca Substack: https://briannehogan.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannehogan Read here: My September Love Notes The Surgeon Situationship Why I'm Meant to Be Single at 42

Hi friends! Big news — my very first dating advice column with Yahoo Canada is out, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you. In this episode of Love, Brie, I talk about what it was like stepping into that advice-columnist role (spoiler: it feels a little surreal!) and why the old saying “happy wife doesn’t equal happy life” needs a serious update. Then I dive into my own recent first date and give you my best dating tips for staying calm and confident before meeting someone new. I share why I don’t get nervous before first dates anymore and the mindset shifts that make dating feel fun instead of stressful. If you’ve ever googled how to stop being nervous before a date, dating advice podcast, or just want some honest, funny, and heart-centered tips on modern love, this episode is for you. Read the advice column here! Connect with Brie: Website: ⁠⁠⁠briannehogan.ca⁠⁠⁠ Substack:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://briannehogan.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@briannehogan⁠⁠⁠

Dating these days is…a lot. From endless swiping on Hinge and Bumble to awkward talking stages that never seem to end, it can feel like finding love is a full-time job. That’s why I brought in matchmaker Cassindy Chao for this week’s episode of Love, Brie. We break down what a matchmaker actually does (hint: it’s not just setting you up on blind dates), why you might want to hire one, and how matchmaking can be the antidote to modern dating burnout. Cassindy and I get into the good, the bad, and the hilarious parts of the dating scene: why Vancouver singles complain it’s the pits, which cities are actually the best for dating, and how to game the apps so they finally work for you. If you’ve ever wondered, “Would a matchmaker actually help me find love?” this episode has answers—with plenty of laughs and zero judgment. Read Cassindy's article on my Substack here. Connect with Brie: Instagram: ⁠⁠www.instagram.com/briannehoganisawriter Website: ⁠⁠briannehogan.ca⁠⁠ Substack:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://briannehogan.substack.com/⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@briannehogan⁠⁠ Connect Cassindy: Website Matchmaking

What’s it really like to date while writing about relationships, love, and modern dating trends? In this episode, I share my personal experiences navigating the dating world as a relationship columnist and writer. I dive into the challenges of dating, from first impressions to online dating, and how writing about love changes the way I approach men and romance. I also discuss the perks and pitfalls of analyzing dating while living it, what men really think about being with someone who writes about relationships, and whether I’d change a thing about my own approach to love and dating. (Spoiler -- I wouldn't). Connect with Brie: Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/briehogan⁠ Website: ⁠briannehogan.ca⁠ Substack:⁠ ⁠⁠https://briannehogan.substack.com/⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@briannehogan⁠