Welcome to the Laverne Cox Show, a production of Shondaland audio in partnership with IHeart Radio.

We can get really off track, thinking about all of the what-if, should have been, that person that fetishized

us or that distust or whatever, but don't give the energy to those people. You're feeling

exhausted because you're giving an energy. Speak. Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Laverne Cox Show.

Now, you will find on this podcast that I am a huge fan of Brne Brown and her work.

Brne Brown is a researcher.

She studies shame, vulnerability, courage.

I reference her literally all the time.

And one of the things her research shows is that human beings are hardwired for story.

And in the absence of data, we make up stories.

Now, girl, nowhere have I made up stories in the absence of data more than when it comes to men, dating, and relationships.

And any of the sort of demographic things about ourselves we can't control,

things like race, gender identity, socioeconomic status, etc.

Now, I plan to have a series of conversations about dating and all of these things.

But today, I want to focus on age, specifically dating over 40.

I'm 48 years old and single now for over a year and a half. And this is the first time

in my life I am dating as someone openly over 40, meaning I no longer lie, deflect,

pivot, obfucate, do full-on matrix moves, honey, to avoid talking about my age.

So, today my guest is certified dating coach and media personality, Demona Hoffman.

She is the host of the podcast, Dates and Mates with Demona Hoffman, a frequent contributor to the LA Times, The Washington Post, NPR, and more.

Most recently, Demosina can be seen doling out love advice on the Drew Barry Moore show.

I have a lot to talk about with Demosa.

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