In this episode of First Rounds On Me, we welcome back the incredible Erica Ettin—dating coach, founder of A Little Nudge, and the ultimate myth-buster of modern love. Known for her fearless takedowns of bad dating advice and no-nonsense approach to finding connection, Erica joins us to answer the internet’s burning questions about dating apps, confidence, first impressions, and communication.

From the biggest mistakes people make on dating apps, to the truth about “if he wanted to, he would,” to profile photo do’s and don’ts, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and game-changing advice.

Whether you’re single, dating, or just love hearing stories about modern romance, this is the dating advice you actually want to hear.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Opening banter

• 00:18 – Introduction: Erica Ettin, the no-nonsense dating coach

• 01:11 – Returning guest & the evolution of dating challenges

• 01:47 – The #1 problem clients face with dating apps

• 03:07 – Dating mindset: Job search vs. relationship search

• 04:03 – Learning from every date (building your “resume”)

• 04:49 – Taking ownership: the lunch date story

• 06:08 – Overthinking & communication pitfalls

• 07:53 – Ghosting, double texting & why it doesn’t matter

• 09:17 – Bad dating advice: “If he wanted to, he would…”

• 11:12 – Behind the scenes of running clients’ dating apps

• 13:34 – Pressure, expectations & telling friends about first dates

• 16:20 – Why short app conversations work best

• 17:55 – Dating app algorithms & client expectations

• 21:11 – Confidence, self-love & the struggle in modern dating

• 25:29 – How self-perception impacts attraction

• 29:23 – The dating industry & app complaints

• 31:12 – How to improve dating apps & dating habits

• 32:08 – Video intros, voice notes & FaceTime debates

• 33:15 – Redefining a “successful” date

• 34:33 – Fake Fact Fridays & bad profile bios

• 35:48 – The right photos for your dating profile

• 38:06 – Text or Next: Opening line game

• 43:22 – Pun-ishment or flirt alert: Pickup line showdown

• 45:44 – Closing thoughts & where to find Erica Ettin

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop your biggest dating app question in the comments!