Best-Selling Author and Chart-Topping Podcaster, Elizabeth Day, and Renowned Dating & Relationship Expert Mel Schilling Partner for How to Date, Premiering February 3

Starting February 3^rd, the chart-topping podcaster Elizabeth Day and renowned dating & relationship coach, Mel Schilling will join forces for How To Date – delivering expert-led insights, practical tips, and plenty of real-life wisdom on mastering the art of modern dating (because let’s face it, it’s basically a full-time job).

Following the success of How To Write A Book, this is the second in a series of ‘How To…’ podcast masterclasses – the PodClass™️ – offering practical and empowering advice to listeners on a variety of subjects.

As the unofficial Queen of Failure, Elizabeth wanted to create a series that would confront everything wrong with the dating world and provide actionable steps for those navigating its ever-changing landscape. Joining her for this masterclass and making her debut as a podcast host is Mel Schilling, the psychologist-turned-TV expert known and loved for her direct, yet kind approach as the resident expert on Channel 4’s Married At First Sight.

Having both met their husbands online at the age of 39, Elizabeth and Mel have been there, done that, and – in Elizabeth’s case – literally face-planted on her first date with her future spouse (because falling in love can be messy). Now, they’re ready to impart all they’ve learnt along the way.

Whether you’re stepping back into the dating world after heartbreak, looking to leave old patterns behind, or hoping to level up your current relationship, each week Mel and Elizabeth will equip listeners with the skills they need to navigate romance with confidence and clarity.

From decoding the apps to mastering open-hearted communication, this eight-week masterclass has an episode for every step of the journey:  

Episode 1: Am I Ready to Date?

Episode 2: Meeting Someone
With publisher, podclass host and  cultural strategist Sharmaine Lovegrove

Episode 3: The First Date 
With winner of Netflix’s The Big Flower Fight, cultural curator and creator of HUNGAMA (East London’s Queer Bollywood Hip/Hop night) Ryan Lanji

Episode 4: Communication
With psychotherapist, author and podcaster author Emma Reed Turrell

Episode 5: Red and Green Flags
With sex and dating educator, LalalaLetMeExplain

Episode 6: Taking It to the Next Step 

Episode 7: Heartbreak and Rejection
With author and life coach Michelle Elman

Episode 8: The Most Important Relationship
With two very special surprise guests…!

While Elizabeth and Mel can’t guarantee you a date in time for Valentine’s Day, listeners can expect frank confessions, expert advice, hilarious anecdotes and fail-safe exercises that will empower you to make the changes you need to meet the right person – and to foster the most important relationship you’ll ever have: with yourself.

After you’ve listened to each episode of How To Date, you can download all the resources and worksheets covered at www.thepodclass.co.uk

New episodes of How To Date will be available every Monday from 3rd February or you can binge the whole season at once for just £3.99 a month which gets you access to the full How To… channel (including How To Fail and How To Write A Book).

And because Mel and Elizabeth are on a mission to revolutionise the world of dating, they’re encouraging everyone else to join in. Also on www.thepodclass.co.uk, you’ll find the How To Date Good Dating Pledge, consisting of 10 simple ‘Dating Commandments’ developed by Mel and Elizabeth (below). Listeners can sign up for free and help make dating a safe, fun and rewarding experience for everyone. Let’s make dating better – for all of us!

“I know first-hand how hard it can be to find true connection in modern dating. When I was a single divorcee in my late 30s trying to navigate the apps, I wished there was somewhere I could turn to for supportive advice and friendly expertise. I created How To Date to meet that need. I’m a huge fan of Mel and her work on Married At First Sight. I’m so delighted she said yes to co-hosting and I’m really proud of what we’ve made. It’s been a pleasure to co-produce again with my friends at Sony and I truly believe this eight-week Podclass will teach listeners everything they need to know about finding and sustaining love – with others and with themselves” – Elizabeth Day, Executive Producer

“How To Date has been an absolute dream project for me.  Teaming up with Elizabeth (yes, I’m a fan girl) and having the opportunity to dive deeply into all the hot topics that singles are desperate to explore has been so satisfying!  We’ve addressed all the burning questions I’m constantly asked by MAFS fans and my broader community. In these episodes, I’ve drawn on my 20 years as a psychologist and 10 years as a dating coach to offer simple, easy-to-follow lessons and actionable downloads.  Our key message?  Learning how to date in an empowered and positive fashion will create a ripple effect and a new wave dating experience.  And we are here for it!” – Mel Schilling, How To Date co-host

The How To Date Good Dating Pledge

1. I will communicate clearly and with kindness.
2. I will not ghost or breadcrumb.
3. I will always ask consent.
4. I will do the work to understand myself and my values so that I can date with emotional awareness.
5. I will show up as my authentic self and not play games. I will remind myself that the person who is worthy of me will appreciate that.
6. I will try to remember that rejection is protection and that all failure is data acquisition.
7. I will be open-minded and non-judgemental.
8. I will be courageous and ask for what I want in a direct manner.
9. I will say sorry when I’m wrong and take accountability for my actions.
10. I will remember that the most important relationship is the one I have with myself.