In this episode of STRIPPED, I dive into a common—and often frustrating—contradiction in dating and relationships: women say they want emotionally vulnerable men, but then pull away or shut down when men actually show vulnerability.

Drawing from personal insight, gender conditioning, and a memorable moment from the best sitcom of all time, I explore how decades of cultural programming shape mixed messages on both sides. For men, vulnerability can still feel like a risk with real consequences. For women, old social conditioning can trigger discomfort or fear when emotions get raw.

And finally, we unpack what it really means to be “man enough” today—beyond outdated stereotypes—and how both men and women can start breaking the cycle of misunderstanding and missed connection.

Tune in to hear:

• Why vulnerability still feels risky for many men despite cultural shifts
• How women’s mixed reactions often come from deep-rooted conditioning, not intention
• How men and women both get caught in confusing cycles around emotional expression

Key Takeaways:

• Vulnerability can feel risky for many men because it triggers deep, instinctual fears of rejection or harm.
• Women’s discomfort when men show vulnerability often comes from their own conditioning and isn’t about rejecting the man.
• The definition of “man enough” is evolving—from rigid toughness to embracing emotional honesty and presence.
• Building emotional intimacy takes courage and effort from both partners—not just men.
• Becoming aware of these mixed messages helps create space for more genuine and lasting connection.

Reflect:

For MEN:

• How do you feel when you try to be vulnerable and it’s met with discomfort or rejection?
• What would it take for you to feel safer showing your whole self to a partner?

For WOMEN:

• Can you recall a time when you felt uncomfortable or unsure how to receive vulnerability? What was going on for you in that moment?
• How can you create space for vulnerability in your relationships, even when it feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable?

Review: What’s one mixed message about vulnerability or being “man enough” that you’ve noticed? Drop a comment—I want to hear from you!

Reach Out:

DM me on LinkedIN or send me an email at connect@hkrcoaching.com

Join my free monthly MeetUp: Free Dating Advice for Men From a Woman

Explore whether private coaching is the right next step by scheduling a complimentary Kick-Off Call!

Welcome to a special episode of STRIPPED—a quickie to catch you up on everything we’ve explored so far and invite you into the conversation.

This brief episode breaks down the big ideas from our first four episodes:

• What readiness for love really looks like
• The messy world of dating apps and swipe fatigue
• Why supporting men emotionally benefits everyone
• How “no” isn’t rejection—and why consent is the real sexy

I’ll also share how you can get involved by sending me your questions, stories, and dating hangups—and I’ll answer them anonymously in future episodes.

Ready for a quick hit of insight, honesty, and connection? Let’s get into it.

Reach Out:

DM me on LinkedIN or send me an email at connect@hkrcoaching.com

Join my free monthly MeetUp: Free Dating Advice for Men From a Woman

Explore whether private coaching is the right next step by scheduling a complimentary Kick-Off Call!

Let’s reframe the whole narrative around no.
In this episode, we’re stripping away the shame, confusion, and power struggles that often come with rejection, and redefining what it actually means when someone says “no.” Hint: it’s not about you.

Drawing from my past experience as a certified Cuddlist, we’ll explore the beauty of boundaries and how consent creates safety. You’ll learn why a clear “no” is an indication of trust between individuals, why “yes” only means something when “no” is truly accepted, and how both men and women can start honoring their boundaries and desires more confidently.

Whether you’ve ever felt rejected, pressured, or unsure how to ask for what you want—this episode is for you.

What we cover:

• Why “no” is not a personal rejection
• How pop culture (and gender-role conditioning) teaches us to fear “no”
• How consent builds trust, connection (and real turn-on!)
• The impact of #MeToo—and how we move forward with clarity, not fear
• Tips from my work as a Cuddlist for practicing consent in real life – even for people-pleasers!

Key Takeaways:

• Rejection isn’t always about you—it’s often about the other person’s clarity and self-respect. It’s a sign that a person feels safe to be honest with you.
• Consent isn’t just about avoiding harm—it’s about building hotter, safer, more connected experiences.
• “No” creates trust. And trust creates freedom.
• Practicing consent can actually deepen desire, not diminish it.

Reflect: How do you typically respond to hearing “no”—and what might that reveal about your relationship to rejection or control?

Review: Like, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone who could use the gift of empowerment!

Reach Out:

Join my free monthly MeetUp: Free Dating Advice for Men From a Woman

Explore whether private coaching is the right next step by scheduling a complimentary Kick-Off Call!

TW: This episode briefly discusses suicide and depression.

There are a lot of podcasts out there about dating. But this one? It’s not about quick fixes or surface-level tips. It’s about stripping away the layers that keep us disconnected—from ourselves and from each other.

In this episode, I’m sharing the heart behind the show: why I focus on men, why I’m inviting women into the conversation, and why this work goes way deeper than just swiping better or texting smarter.

Whether you’re a man hungry to feel heard,
Or a woman who wants to understand the men in your life more fully,
This podcast is for you.

What we cover:

• My journey to working with men
• Why men often feel invisible in their emotional experience
• The quiet loneliness so many men carry and the hidden costs of “performing” masculinity
• Why supporting men isn’t about fixing them—it’s about freeing them
• How this podcast creates space for both men and women to be heard

This is about creating connection—with each other, and within ourselves.
Welcome to the conversation.

Reflect:

For MEN: “Where did you learn what it means to be ‘a man’ — and is that version of masculinity still serving you?”

For WOMEN: “What assumptions have you made about how a ‘real man’ should act in relationships—and where did those ideas come from?”

Review: If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, and share with the men you care about.

Reach Out:

Join my free monthly MeetUp: Free Dating Advice for Men From a Woman

Explore whether private coaching is the right next step by scheduling a complimentary Kick-Off Call!

If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you're having suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). If you are located outside the United States, call your local emergency line immediately.

Dating apps can quickly become exhausting. Endless swiping, ghosting, blocks, and bots make genuine connection feel impossible—and leave many feeling burned out.

In this episode, we unpack the hidden tactics apps use to keep you hooked, the reality of swipe fatigue, and the emotional toll of constant small rejections. Whether you’re a man or a woman, understanding these dynamics is key to reclaiming your joy and dating with intention.

What you’ll learn:

• Why dating apps are designed to keep you scrolling
• The ways that swipe fatigue and burnout affect both men and women
• How bots affect your experience
• Navigating ghosting, blocks, and rejection without losing yourself
• Tips and apps for more meaningful connections

Feeling lost in the swipe? This episode helps you cut through the noise and date with clarity and calm.

Reflect: “What boundaries can you set to protect your emotional energy while dating online?”

Review: Like, subscribe, and comment with your fave apps to use; it just might be the fresh start someone else needs!

Reach Out:

Join my free monthly MeetUp: Free Dating Advice for Men From a Woman to get your dating questions answered in real-time.

Schedule a complimentary Kick-Off Call to strategize your dating gameplan!

How to tell if you’re ready for real connection—or just craving relief.

So… how do you actually know if you’re ready for a real relationship?

In this episode, we unpack what “readiness” really means for both men and women—and how gender-role conditioning, cultural expectations, and past experiences can cloud our self-awareness when it comes to love.

You’ll hear:

• Why men often equate relationship readiness with career milestones or material stability

• How women tend to feel emotionally ready sooner—but still carry shame from “good girl” conditioning

• The surprising difference between wanting a relationship and being ready for the reflection it brings

• Key signs you are ready—and where some people get stuck

Whether you’re single and curious, or dating and unsure where things are headed, this episode will help you check in with your intentions, your emotional availability, and your relationship to vulnerability.

Key Takeaways:

1. Many people say they want connection, when what they really want is comfort
2. Real relationships are mirrors—are you ready to see yourself more clearly?
3. Readiness isn’t about being “perfect”—it’s about being present and honest and willing to grow

Reflect: Do I want connection—or do I just want to feel less alone?

Review: If you enjoyed this episode, like and subscribe. Let me know what came up for you during the Ideal Partner or Be Your Own Wingman exercises!

Reach Out: Let’s chat about where you’re getting stuck in the dating loop and co-create a winning gameplan! Schedule a complimentary Kick-Off at https://calendly.com/rachael_jaye/kick-off_call

Welcome to STRIPPED: Drop Your Patterns, where we invite conscious daters to strip their conditioning and invite Love into their lives!