1. Let's Talk Relationships, Love and Sex the Day on Valentine's Day. Whether you're newly single, back in the dating world, or just trying to figure out what actually makes a relationship last, this episode is packed with game-changing insights. I sit down with dating and relationship coach Debra Mansfield to talk about what truly attracts a partner, why chemistry isn’t personal, and how to build real connection.
2. We’re breaking down dating mistakes, the right time to have the talk about exclusivity, and whether sleeping together too soon really ruins your chances. Plus, we dive into the power of feminine energy, why men need to feel like the hero, and how to approach dating with confidence (hint: ditch the impossible checklist).
3. If you’re ready to level up your love life, this one’s for you.
4. Check out Debra’s masterclass at loveanddatingmasterclass.com
5. https://loveanddatingmasterclass.com/
6. https://www.instagram.com/loveanddatingcoach/
7. Follow me on Instagram: @talkwithtarapodcast and Facebook: Talk with Tara
8. Follow Talk With Tara for my next episode on raw, unfiltered conversations on life, love, and everything in between!

What happens when love is solid… but the bedroom feels like roommates? In this New Year episode of Talk with Tara, I’m joined by Elana Auerbach, author of The Sure Thing: A Pleasure Practice to Revive the Spark in Your Relationship (releasing February 3, 2026). Elana shares the deeply personal story behind her “Sure Thing” a simple weekly ritual that helped her and her spouse release shame, reduce pressure, and rebuild intimacy after years of struggle.

We talk about the real midlife stuff: resentment, busy schedules, body changes, and how desire can disappear when life becomes all logistics. Elana breaks down the difference between sex vs. intimacy, why “being in the mood” isn’t the point, and how creating a consistent pleasure practice can bring tenderness, connection, and even emotional openness back into your relationship.

You’ll also hear about the surprising inspiration for the title (hello, Shabbat + “double mitzvah”), why pleasure can be a form of activism, and how small “love ripples” can shift your relationship and maybe your whole world.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to revive intimacy when you’re stuck in a rut (or feeling like roommates)

• The difference between intimacy and sex — and why intimacy takes courage

• How to talk about fantasies without shame or fear of judgment

• How body image and aging affect desire (and what to do about it)

• Why a weekly ritual works better than pressure, quotas, or “date night”

• “Solo Sure Thing” ideas for singles (or anyone rebuilding self-connection)

• How pleasure, connection, and self-love create ripple effects beyond the bedroom

About Elana Auerbach Elana is a mentor, activist, mother, and founder of Sensual: A Woman’s Journey Into Sensuality. Her work blends embodiment, spirituality, and practical tools to help people reconnect to desire, intimacy, and aliveness without the shame or pressure. Find out more about Elana here: https://surethingexperiment.com/

Special Valentine’s Gift (for listeners!) Here is the link for your listeners to get a special gift for V-Day: HELLO Wild Sensual Self Guided Journey https://guide.surethingexperiment.com/wild-sensual-self

How to buy the book You can purchase The Sure Thing in two ways:

• Directly from Elana’s website: Sure Thing Experiment (you’ll also find bonus resources and updates there)

• On Amazon: Search The Sure Thing by Elana Auerbach

Connect with Elana Visit Sure Thing Experiment and join her email list for upcoming events, including her Sure Thing Spring 2026 Challenge (a weekly online cohort to help you start your practice). She’s also on Instagram and Facebook as Elana Auerbach.

Contact / bookings (Talk with Tara) For guest pitches, partnerships, or questions, email me at talkwithtarapodcast@gmail.com.

If you loved this episode, please follow the show, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more women find Talk with Tara.

What if you don’t love being single, but you still want to love your life? In this episode of Talk With Tara, Tara sits down with Dr. Karen Gail Lewis (relationship, marriage, and family therapist; author of With or Without a Man) to talk about the real emotional challenge many women face: living in the uncertainty of whether you’ll meet the right partner—and building a fulfilling life anyway.

You’ll hear practical, therapist-backed advice on dating after divorce, the pressure of a “married society,” and why being single can feel like an ambiguous loss. Dr. Lewis shares how to stop the spiral of “what’s wrong with me?”, rethink your dating “list,” and focus on what you actually need in a healthy relationship. Tara and Dr. Lewis also dive into why weekends can feel lonely, how to plan a rich social life, and the underrated importance of friendship, community, and physical touch for mental health and well-being.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What “ambiguous loss” means for single women and how to live with uncertainty

• How to stop self-blame and boost confidence, self-worth, and emotional resilience

• A smarter way to evaluate dating criteria (and the real reason “tall” or “wealthy” ends up on lists)

• The question to ask on a first or second date to spot emotional availability

• How to handle online dating realities without losing hope—or yourself

• Why strong female friendships can be the foundation for healthier romantic relationships

• Tips for weekends, loneliness, and building a full life with or without a partner

If you’re navigating midlife dating, single again after divorce, or simply trying to feel more empowered in your relationship choices, this episode is for you.

Follow me on Instagram @talkwithtarapodcast and please subscribe to keep my show going! You can also email me at talkwithtarapodcast@gmail.com