Most of us step into dating and relationships hoping for the best, but hope isn’t a strategy. Reading people—really reading them—is a skill. It’s about spotting truth in the details, hearing what’s not being said, and learning how to navigate tension without blowing things up.

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Voss, former FBI hostage negotiator and author of Never Split the Difference. Chris has spent decades facing high-stakes situations where the wrong move could cost lives—and he’s here to show us how those same skills can transform the way we approach love, dating, and long-term relationships.

From decoding early red flags to negotiating the toughest conversations with your partner, Chris breaks down how to use empathy as leverage and communication as strategy. Whether you’re just swiping for a first date or you’ve been in a relationship for years, these tools will sharpen your instincts and strengthen your connection.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

• How to decode trust signals in the early stages of dating so you don’t confuse charm with character.
  

• The art of tactical empathy—how to use listening as your most powerful tool when emotions run high.
  

• Negotiation strategies for love that help you handle conflict, set boundaries, and deepen connection without turning every disagreement into a battle.

This conversation isn’t just about dating smarter—it’s about communicating like your relationship depends on it. Because in many ways, it does.

Xxoo Darcy

REFERENCES/RESOURCES

www.alternativescounseling.com

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It―Unlock Your Persuasion Potential in Professional and Personal Life

CREDITS

“We Need To Talk With Dr. Darcy Sterling” is a Sterling Standard Production. Editing and sound engineering by Bart Migal. Our theme music is by Trending Music. Special thanks to Amanda Cristiani and Robyn Jaenchen.

DISCLAIMER

Instagram:@drdarcysterling

Facebook:Dr.Darcy Sterling

Tik Tok:@doctordarcysterling

X:@DrDarcySterling

YouTube:@DarcySterling

Threads:@drdarcysterling

Watch this episode here on YouTube.

Every so often, I get requests from my male listeners to dedicate an episode to their questions—and today is that day. I’m joined by my friend, Robert Mack, for a very special Ask Me Anything: Men’s Edition.

This is your front-row seat to an unfiltered, honest conversation about what men really want to know when it comes to love, dating, women, and relationships. Nothing was off the table. From decoding mixed signals, to handling rejection, to the mental health struggles men often keep silent about—we covered it all.

Robert brings his brilliant perspective as my first-ever male co-host, and together we tackle the questions that so many men have, but rarely get to ask out loud.

If you’ve ever wished someone would just say the quiet part out loud about dating and relationships, this episode is for you.

Whether you’re single, dating, or in a relationship, this AMA gives you actionable insights that can change the way you think about love and connection.

Xxoo Darcy

REFERENCES/RESOURCES

www.alternativescounseling.com

Why do women sometimes pull away after great sex?

Oxford research on emotional connection

Is online dating even worth it for men over 40?

Attachment patterns shape emotional responses

Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs

Happiness From The Inside Out

CREDITS

“We Need To Talk With Dr. Darcy Sterling” is a Sterling Standard Production. Editing and sound engineering by Bart Migal. Our theme music is by Trending Music. Special thanks to Amanda Cristiani and Robyn Jaenchen.

DISCLAIMER

Instagram:@drdarcysterling

Facebook:Dr.Darcy Sterling

Tik Tok:@doctordarcysterling

X:@DrDarcySterling

YouTube:@DarcySterling

Threads:@drdarcysterling

Watch this episode here on YouTube.

If you’ve ever felt like therapy isn’t moving the needle—like you’re talking, reflecting, and gaining insight, but your life still looks the same—this episode is for you. Traditional talk therapy can be powerful, but sometimes insight alone isn’t enough to shift patterns that have been running your life for years.

That’s where DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) comes in. Unlike traditional therapy, DBT is structured, skills-based, and laser-focused on behavior change. My guest, Dr. Shireen Rizvi, is one of the foremost experts in the country. She trained under Marsha Linehan, the founder of DBT, and went on to establish one of the nation’s leading DBT clinics at Rutgers University. Together, we break down what DBT really is, who it helps, and why it may be exactly what you’ve been searching for when therapy feels stuck.

Here’s What You’ll Learn:

• Why talking about your issues isn’t always enough to create lasting change.

• The core skills DBT teaches—and how they can transform your relationships and emotional wellbeing.

• How to know if DBT might be the right next step for you.
  

And don’t miss the end of the episode—where I drop the insight you didn’t know you needed. Call it emotional homework or a truth bomb—it’s the piece you’ll still be thinking about tomorrow.

Xxoo Darcy

REFERENCES/RESOURCES

www.alternativescounseling.com

www.shireenrizvi.com

Real Skills for Real Life: A DBT Guide to Navigating Stress, Emotions, and Relationships http://guilford.com/books/Real-Skills-for-Real-Life/Rizvi-Finkelstein/9781462555574?srsltid=AfmBOopthmYGfm60RnC2ed__8sY7x1l1EuSp3YfZgLe9mths7SgBb_i5

CREDITS

“We Need To Talk With Dr. Darcy Sterling” is a Sterling Standard Production. Editing and sound engineering by Bart Migal. Our theme music is by Trending Music. Special thanks to Amanda Cristiani and Robyn Jaenchen.

DISCLAIMER

Instagram:@drdarcysterling

Facebook:Dr.Darcy Sterling

Tik Tok:@doctordarcysterling

X:@DrDarcySterling

YouTube:@DarcySterling

Threads:@drdarcysterling

Watch this episode here on YouTube.