Making Dating Safer: From Personal Trauma to Building a Better Way to Spot Red Flags with Justin Smith

What happens when a devastating relationship experience becomes the catalyst for creating a tool designed to help others avoid the same pain?In this episode, we sit down with Justin Smith, the founder of Cray, a dating safety app created from one of the most difficult experiences of his life.In March 2024, Justin experienced a deeply traumatic relationship breakdown that had a profound impact on his physical and emotional wellbeing. As he worked to understand what had happened, he began asking a bigger question: Could there be a way to help people recognize dangerous relationship patterns before they become deeply invested?That question led to 18 months of building Cray a dating safety platform designed to educate people about red flags, manipulation, scams, catfishing, and other warning signs that can affect relationship safety and health.In this conversation, we explore the realities of modern dating, particularly online dating, and why recognizing problematic behavior early can be so important.Justin's story is ultimately about taking an experience that nearly broke him and using it to create something intended to protect others.Dating should be about connection not fear. But knowing what to look for can help you make better decisions about who you allow into your life.Note: Cray is presented as an educational and safety tool. No app or screening system can guarantee someone's safety, identity, intentions, or future behavior. Users should continue to exercise personal judgment and seek appropriate professional or legal assistance when necessary. Founder/CEOiOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cray-dating-safety/id6747534851Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cray.crayapp#JustinSmith #Cray #DatingSafety #OnlineDating #RelationshipSafety #DatingAdvice #RedFlags #HealthyRelationships #RelationshipHealth #OnlineSafety #ScamAwareness #Catfishing #Manipulation #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #Entrepreneurship #Technology #DatingApps #Relationships #Podcast #DesignWave