Welcome to the first solo episode of 2026 and Season Two of The Scarlet Edit.

In this episode, I’m sharing two important things:

1. The direction of the podcast in 2026, based entirely on listener data
2. A powerful dating concept you need to understand this year: Fantasy Access

I break down what the data has made crystal clear. You want honest conversations about affairs, divorce, shame, starting over, and emotional healing. Those episodes resonate because they make people feel seen, less alone, and understood. And in 2026, we’re leaning into them even more.

I also introduce Fantasy Access, a term that explains why certain dating dynamics feel confusing, emotionally draining, and stuck. Fantasy access shows up when someone maintains emotional proximity to you without showing up in real life. Likes, story views, low-effort texts, vague interest — without dates, commitment, or clarity.

In this episode, I explain:

1. What fantasy access is and how it shows up in modern dating
2. Why fantasy access benefits emotionally unavailable people
3. How social media and online dating amplify emotional confusion
4. Why attention is not the same as intention
5. How to cut off fantasy access without confrontation
6. Why neutrality and boundaries are the most powerful response

If you’re single, dating in midlife, navigating divorce, or tired of entertaining emotionally unavailable men, this episode will help you start 2026 with clarity, self-respect, and stronger boundaries.

Topics Covered

1. Affairs, divorce, shame, and starting over
2. Emotional availability in dating
3. Dating after divorce in your 40s
4. Boundaries and self-worth
5. Fantasy access and unearned emotional proximity
6. Why being alone is better than being misled

Listen if you’re ready to stop confusing attention for effort and start choosing yourself.

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