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503.  Ex-FBI Analyst on Dating After Divorce
24 September 2026

503. Ex-FBI Analyst on Dating After Divorce

Better Call Daddy

About

Former FBI intelligence analyst John Petrozzelli, host of the Done With Dating podcast, shares advice on dating after divorce, co-parenting, and what the Boston Marathon bombing investigation taught him about people.


Reena Friedman Watts and Big Daddy Wayne Friedman sit down with John to talk about life after the Bureau, fatherhood, and dating as a divorced parent. John worked on high-profile cases, including the Boston Marathon bombing investigation, and explains how that work shaped the way he reads people and relationships.


He also talks about raising kids while working in law enforcement, why honesty guided his parenting, and why co-parenting after divorce has to put the kids first. Then the conversation turns to dating today, especially for single parents.


John explains how he uses his investigative skills to match people on Done With Dating and why he tells listeners to do the inner work before looking for a partner.


Listen if you're dating after divorce, curious about a career in law enforcement, or looking for honest perspective on parenting and relationships.


What You'll Learn

    How John went from FBI intelligence analyst to matchmaker
    What the Boston Marathon bombing investigation taught him about human behavior
    How to balance a demanding career with being a dad
    Why co-parenting works best when the kids come first
    How to approach dating after divorce
    Why self-reflection has to come before finding a partner
    How to build trust and rapport in a new relationship

Timestamps

    00:00 – Meet John Petrozzelli, former FBI intelligence analyst
    05:15 – Balancing an FBI career with fatherhood
    15:30 – Lessons from the Boston Marathon bombing case
    25:00 – Why dating as a parent is different
    35:45 – Using investigative skills in matchmaking
    45:00 – Why self-reflection comes before love

Quotes from John

"Truth and honesty are the cornerstones of everything I do, both in my career and as a father."




"I believe in love, and I want others to have hope that their person is out there waiting for them."



About John Petrozzelli

John Petrozzelli is a former FBI intelligence analyst and the host of the Done With Dating podcast. He combines his investigative background with his understanding of human behavior to help people find lasting relationships.


Connect with John: donewithdating.co 


About Better Call Daddy

Better Call Daddy is hosted by Reena Friedman Watts, with Big Daddy Wayne Friedman


Connect with Reena: bettercalldaddy.com | LinkedIn | Instagram: @reenafriedmanwatts


Keywords: ex-FBI analyst, dating after divorce, dating as a single parent, co-parenting advice, John Petrozzelli, Boston Marathon bombing investigation, matchmaking podcast, Done With Dating, Better Call Daddy, Reena Friedman Watts, Big Daddy Wayne Friedman