We’ve had some powerful conversations on this show… but this one? This one might top them all.
Sara Banyan, Hollywood coach, mental health advocate, and author of Dating for Dudes, joined us for an unforgettable episode that had our live audience buzzing.
Seriously. The chat was lighting up with words like "AMAZING," "deeply moving," and "one of the best episodes yet." And they weren’t wrong.
Sara brings a unique blend of humor, heart, and hard-earned wisdom. From her early days working with stars like George Clooney and Ted Danson, to coaching some of the biggest names in sport and entertainment, she’s seen behind the curtain of confidence, and knows what it takes to build the real thing.
In this conversation, we dive deep into:
💬 The emotional weight men carry into dating (and what to do about it)
🧠 Mental health, trauma, and the voices we inherit that hold us back.
❤️ Why authenticity is sexier than strategy.
🤝 Advice for women, too, because this isn’t just a “dude” problem.
🎭 The Mornell Method: how to stop acting and start being.
Sara doesn’t just coach performers. She helps people show up as their truest selves, in relationships, in their work, and in life.
And yes, there’s plenty of name-dropping (the good kind), stories from inside the industry, and a few hilarious insights from her coaching files.
But what makes this episode truly special?
Sara’s ability to make you feel seen, even through a screen.
About Dating for Dudes
This isn't your average “how to get a girlfriend” book. Dating for Dudes is a field guide to confidence, vulnerability, and connection, with a heavy dose of humor and tough love. Sara covers everything from rejection resilience to writing dating profiles that don’t make people cringe. She helps guys rediscover who they really are before they go looking for someone else.
Because the truth is: most of us are acting, whether we’re on stage or swiping on Tinder. And Sara's mission is to help people stop performing and start being, in dating, in life, in everything.
💙 If You’re Struggling with Mental Health
If you’ve been affected by anything discussed in this episode, or if you’re struggling with your mental health, please know you are not alone. Support is available, and reaching out can be the first step toward healing.
UK Support:
Samaritans – 24/7 free support for anyone in distress
📞 Call 116 123 | 🌐 www.samaritans.orgMind – Mental health resources, helplines, and support
🌐 www.mind.org.uk
US Support:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Free, confidential 24/7 support
📞 Call or text 988 | 🌐 988lifeline.orgNAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) – Resources, support, and education
📞 Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) | 🌐 www.nami.org
You matter. Help is always here when you need it. 💬💙
Watch it here or on our YouTube channel.
Whether you’re dating, healing, or just want to better understand the people around you, this is one to sit with.
Let us know what you think in the comments. We’d love to hear what hit home for you.
— CJ & Chris
The Writing Community Chat Show
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