“Some think love can be measured by the amount of butterflies in their tummy. Others think love can be measured in bunches of flowers, or by using the words ‘for ever.’ But love can only truly be measured by actions. It can be a small thing, such as peeling an orange for a person you love because you know they don’t like doing it.” – Marian Keyes
Andrea Syrtash, a relationship expert, author and on-air television personality, has been giving out relationship advice since she was young.
“My older cousin used to ask me if I liked the men she was dating since I seemed to get a good sense about these things,” Andrea said.
Years later, Andrea found herself going to school for broadcast journalism at Ryerson Polytechnic University in Toronto, Canada. After she graduated, she worked on a series of advice books where she and a few other journalists interviewed hundreds of people about their dating lives. Although this was one of her first assignments out of college, she was booked to speak on the radio about her results and was introduced as a “relationship expert.”
“I didn’t know who he was talking about!” joked Andrea.
That radio appearance was in 2004, and now Andrea has certainly earned her title as a relationship expert. In 2005, she became a relationship coach after attending The Coaches Training Institute. From 2006 to 2008, Andrea hosted a series for NBC Digital Studios titled “ON Dating,” which was filmed at 30 Rock in New York City.
Not too shabby.
Today, Andrea tries to reach her audience in different ways.
“I share relationship advice in a variety of mediums: books, TV, magazines, radio, podcast, digital sites, social media, live appearances, workshops and more,” Andrea said, acknowledging that her audience is not all in one place.
Now it’s time for Andrea to showcase her own creative genius at TEDxNavesink Makers. Her talk is entitled “How to Make Love (Outside the Bedroom),” and is sure to pique the interest of young and old lovers alike. Andrea is a maker herself and believes there is a maker inside every single one of us.
Through Andrea’s experiences, she has witnessed people make their own “happily ever after.” Whether it was during the writing of one of her books like He’s Just Not Your Type (And That’s a Good Thing) or the filming of her television show “Life Story Project” which aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network in Canada, Andrea has come in contact with thousands of people and heard stories that would make anyone smile, laugh and cry. “Life Story Project” is a show Andrea co-hosted where she walked the streets of Toronto interviewing people passing by about their life. Guests were interviewed on a giant couch in the middle of the city.
Clips of “Life Story Project” are funny, smart, and often emotional. Being a part of this show was a life-changing experience for Andrea, and it was a life-changing experience for many of the viewers as well. When asked what story stuck with her the most, Andrea could not choose just one.
“I think of the woman whose husband left a letter for her before he died of cancer that told her to find love again, because if she could find a man who loved her half as much as he did, he’d rest in peace,” said Andrea. “I think of the transgendered guest who said she didn’t expect her navy buddies to accept her in a dress, but real friendship transcends all expectations.”
Andrea has a passion for helping those in need. Her advice helps couples to stay together by encouraging them to read more about soulful sex, or to listen more to each other’s needs, and guides people in making the difficult decision to part, for the right reasons. Andrea may not be qualified to help with the legal side of a divorce, but if it reaches this stage there is a firm in London that offer further emotional support through what can be a traumatic legal separation.
“If I have even a tiny part of helping someone improve a relationship, I feel great,” Andrea said.
Andrea is no stranger to TED Talks and the philosophy of spreading ideas. The first TED Talk Andrea saw was by Elizabeth Gilbert, who is best known for her memoir Eat, Pray, Love.
“I admire her as a writer and a thinker and when her Ted talk was published, I was on a heavy deadline with a big book. I loved hearing her reflections on Creative Genius” said Andrea.
Andrea’s talk will consist of. It’s often taboo to mix love and business, but Andrea believes combining the two can often create success. Intimacy and connection build successful relationships in any setting, and as a businessmen or businesswomen, connecting to clients and coworkers is vital. Being acknowledged is a basic human need, and using certain concepts we use in our love life can create success.
Want to fall in love with more speakers? Get your tickets today! Our Makers event will be April 9, 2016 at Monmouth University.