Ask a Matchmaker

Matchmaker Maria is joined for a solo hotline episode with YOU! She's calling out the dating habits that are keeping singles from finding love, from expecting a first date to look like their future spouse to letting AI create an unrealistic dating fantasy. Then, she answers your hotline questions about when to tell someone you're divorced, whether to give a man who's still married a second chance after discovering his views on traditional gender roles, and whether three out of five compatibility pillars are enough for a lasting relationship. Plus, Maria gives listeners a challenge: say yes to five things that you may have hesitated in saying yes to in the next 4 weeks!

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When is it time to break up, and why is walking away from a relationship so hard? Matchmaker Maria sits down with Lindsay Crouse, author of The Case for Quitting, to talk about the sunk cost fallacy in dating, why we stay in relationships that aren't working, and how to know when it's time to leave. Plus, they discuss the 12 Date Rule, dating burnout, and why quitting a relationship might be the best decision you ever make!!

Matchmaker Maria is joined by sex therapist and LGBTQ+ matchmaker Dr. Frankie Bashan to talk about modern dating, ethical non-monogamy, and why she's now helping couples find a third partner! They also answer a listener's question about dating a transgender woman for the first time, including how to talk about sex, intimacy, and compatibility. Plus, Maria and Dr. Frankie debate dating apps, double texting, and why instant chemistry on a first date might actually be anxiety.

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Why is Gen Z having less sex? Kinsey Institute Executive Director Dr. Justin Garcia returns to discuss the new Playboy study, including why 50% of Gen Z respondents haven't had sex recently or ever, and why 34% of young men say porn completely satisfies their sexual desires. Matchmaker Maria and Dr. Garcia also explore how money, living with your parents, and economic uncertainty affect sex lives, plus the importance of consent and sex education.

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Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists & mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/matchmaker #rulapod #ad

What does the latest Singles in America Study reveal about how people are dating? Dr. Justin Garcia joins Matchmaker Maria to break down why 72% of singles are open to love but only 16% are actively looking, whether believing in love at first sight is changing the way people date, and why singles are choosing emotional safety and peace over passion. They also discuss when to talk about money and debt, why 70% of singles are open to prenups, how the economy is influencing the desire to have a partner, why politics remains a dating dealbreaker, and why Justin says you have to go on that second date.

Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors!

Get 25% Off Cowboy Colostrum with code MATCHMAKER at https://cowboycolostrum.com/matchmaker

Stand-up comedian Daniela Mora joins Matchmaker Maria for a hotline episode!! The two first talk about Daniela's recently new relationship, starting out long-distance, and how she and her boyfriend first connected on Snapchat and sexted before dating. They get into what actually makes a green flag, why Daniela loves her boyfriend's work ethic, and where strip clubs fit into the "red flag or not?" conversation. Plus, they answer a listener's question about whether you should tell the person you're dating that you're also going on dates with other people. We said, NO but curious your takes!

Why are people having fewer children, and what does dating have to do with it? Matchmaker Maria sits down with journalist and author Anna Louie Sussman, author of Inconceivable, to unpack dating apps, AI-generated dating criteria, social media outrage, the pressure to find a "perfect" partner, and why women and men may be looking for very different things in relationships. They also get into Korea's 4B movement, why online dating can create choice paralysis, and Anna's advice for singles: stop treating dating like a marketplace and get genuinely interested in other humans!!

Matchmaker Maria kicks off Season 7 with a wild update: after being featured in the New York Times and making headlines in Greece, her matchmaking company, Agape Match, was impersonated by a scam center targeting single men on Telegram. She shares how the scammers stole photos of her real employees, created fake dating profiles, charged victims everything from $50 activation fees to $25,000, and even used AI generated women to make the scam look real. It's a scary story that you need to listen to so you can be sure you're not next!!

Support the podcast by supporting our sponsor!

• Connect with quality therapists & mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/matchmaker #rulapod #ad

Matchmaker Maria sits down with licensed therapist Nadine Ahmed to unpack the "angry dad theory," how growing up with emotionally unavailable or angry parents can affect our relationships, and why learning to apologize to your kids can break the cycle.!Then, Maria and Nadine answer Hotline Questions from YOU! From listeners waiting three years for a proposal, whether you should stay friends with an ex who is dating someone you once worried about, and if you should be engaged before moving in together. They also get into destination weddings, financial compatibility, renting out your NYC apartment, and why dirty socks and dishes might actually be about respect and compatibility!

Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors!

• Get 25% off Cowboy Colostrum with code MATCHMAKER at http://cowboycolostrum.com/matchmaker

Matchmaker Maria and Louie Felix tackle dating after divorce, including how a single mom with two young kids can find a serious relationship and why the six-date rule can help. They also get into the ultimate couple fight: dirty dishes, different cleaning habits, and what those little conflicts can reveal before marriage. Plus, they break down what to do when someone's actions don't match their words and how much lifestyle compatibility really matters.

Nina Kharoufeh, matchmaker, comedian, and former Match Me Abroad host, joins Matchmaker Maria to talk about what really happened when Americans went to Morocco looking for love. It didn't end in finding a "trophy wife" like one man thought! They then discuss why daters are rejecting second dates over tiny things, and why height, weight, and other physical preferences can keep you from meeting someone great. They get into hotline questions, answering a listener whose friend is hiding a former sugar baby arrangement from her fiancé, and give advice to a woman dating while working in a male dominated industry.

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Get 40% off select Lola Blankets products at http://Lolablankets.com by using code MATCHMAKER at checkout. Experience the world's #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. #ad

Suzy Welch joins Matchmaker Maria to break down VALUES and what your core values can reveal about dating, compatibility, marriage, and the life you actually want. They get into why values (not personality) can make or break a relationship, the "divorce values" to watch for, why place and "belovedness" can be major dealbreakers, and whether couples really need to share the same top values. Also, Suzie shares what happened when her daughter and her fiance took the Values Bridge and discovered their top six values were exactly the same! Check out the The Values Bridge code MATCHMAKER today and comment your top 5 in the comments!

Comedian, Lauren Davis joins Matchmaker Maria for a fun conversation about red flags, marathon first dates, dating app lies, and why a 2 hr date might be better than spending 10hrs together! They discuss the best first date activities, from walking and museums to bowling, and answer a listener question about dating in Spain at 62. It's a fun episode you don't want to miss!

Check out Lauren's travel themed digital show 👉 That's a Trip

♥️JOIN MARIA'S COMMUNITY + SUBMIT A QUESTION ❓

Ready to date with intention?

💌 Visit Maria's website or submit your own dating question: 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/askaquestion

✈️ TRAVEL WITH AGAPE ESCAPES

Make new friends. Travel the world. ☀️ Check out upcoming trips: https://agapeescapes.com/

📚 ORDER MARIA'S BOOK + FOLLOW ALONG

✨ Order Maria's book 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/book 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast ⭐ Leave a 5-star review if you're feeling lovable and likable

🌐 CONNECT WITH MARIA

Everything: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria Agape Match IG: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

🎙️ CREDITS

Producer: Venetia Geras https://www.venetiageras.com/

Studio: WTF Media Studios https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

Could your smartphone be affecting your dating life and even the birth rate? Matchmaker Maria talks to writer and cultural critic Christine Emba about research linking smartphones to declining fertility and how scrolling may be replacing the time people once spent meeting, flirting, and connecting. They also get into porn, AI, dating apps, and algorithms that are changing how men and women see relationships. Follow Christine's work in The New York Times and subscribe to her Substack for more of her writing and ideas.

♥️JOIN MARIA'S COMMUNITY + SUBMIT A QUESTION ❓

Ready to date with intention?

💌 Join Maria's Roundtable community or submit your own dating question: 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/askaquestion Use promo code ROUNDTABLE50 for $50 off

✈️ TRAVEL WITH AGAPE ESCAPES

Make new friends. Travel the world. ☀️ Check out upcoming trips: https://agapeescapes.com/ Use code ESCAPES150 for $150 off early bird pricing.

📚 ORDER MARIA'S BOOK + FOLLOW ALONG

✨ Order Maria's book 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/book 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast ⭐ Leave a 5-star review if you're feeling lovable and likable

🌐 CONNECT WITH MARIA

Everything: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria Agape Match IG: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

🎙️ CREDITS

Producer: Venetia Geras https://www.venetiageras.com/

Studio: WTF Media Studios https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

Comedian Gus Constantellis joins Matchmaker Maria to talk about turning his late mother's recipes into a cookbook that became a heartfelt memoir about grief, family, and finding joy again. They dive into how losing a parent changed the way Gus looked at love, why his mom's advice to "come up for air" ended a five year relationship, and what it was like watching his dad start dating again just weeks after her passing. Plus, they answer whether it's a red flag if your date can't cook, debate a fourth date that skips dinner, and reveal the Greek meal that might just make someone fall in love!

Check out his book here 👉https://geni.us/GreekMomCookbook

Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors!

Get 40% off select Lola Blankets products at http://Lolablankets.com by using code MATCHMAKER at checkout. Experience the world's #1 blanket with Lola Blankets

Matchmaker Maria breaks down what compatibility really means and why finding the right partner has nothing to do with shared hobbies or a Myers-Briggs label. She explains the four dating personalities, why your lifestyle is really about how you value your time and money, and the questions every good dater should be asking. Plus, hear the surprising story of the woman who thought she wanted an adventurous partner until one personality test changed everything and led her to her husband. If you've ever wondered why your relationships keep missing the mark, this episode is your roadmap. Check out this test today! 👉https://theanatomyoflove.com/relationship-quizzes/helen-fishers-personality-test/personality-test-1/

♥️JOIN MARIA'S COMMUNITY + SUBMIT A QUESTION ❓

Ready to date with intention?

💌 Join Maria's Roundtable community or submit your own dating question: 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/askaquestion Use promo code ROUNDTABLE50 for $50 off

✈️ TRAVEL WITH AGAPE ESCAPES

Make new friends. Travel the world. ☀️ Check out upcoming trips: https://agapeescapes.com/ Use code ESCAPES150 for $150 off early bird pricing.

📚 ORDER MARIA'S BOOK + FOLLOW ALONG

✨ Order Maria's book 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/book 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast ⭐ Leave a 5-star review if you're feeling lovable and likable

🌐 CONNECT WITH MARIA

Everything: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria Agape Match IG: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

🎙️ CREDITS

Producer: Venetia Geras https://www.venetiageras.com/

Studio: WTF Media Studios https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

Comedian and author Alison Leiby joins Matchmaker Maria to talk about her new essay collection I'm a Lot and why every version of ourselves deserves a seat at the table. They discuss different identities, only-child life, surviving a near death experience, chronic back pain, stand up comedy, and how those experiences shape dating and relationships. Plus, the two answer a listener who feels like she's lost herself after ignoring red flags in a relationship and wants to learn how to trust herself again. If you've ever wondered who you are outside of dating, this episode is for you!

♥️JOIN MARIA'S COMMUNITY + SUBMIT A QUESTION ❓

Ready to date with intention?

💌 Join Maria's Roundtable community or submit your own dating question: 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/askaquestion Use promo code ROUNDTABLE50 for $50 off

✈️ TRAVEL WITH AGAPE ESCAPES

Make new friends. Travel the world. ☀️ Check out upcoming trips: https://agapeescapes.com/ Use code ESCAPES150 for $150 off early bird pricing.

📚 ORDER MARIA'S BOOK + FOLLOW ALONG

✨ Order Maria's book 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/book 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast ⭐ Leave a 5-star review if you're feeling lovable and likable

🌐 CONNECT WITH MARIA

Everything: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria Agape Match IG: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

🎙️ CREDITS

Producer: Venetia Geras https://www.venetiageras.com/

Studio: WTF Media Studios https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

Comedian Jourdain Fisher joins Matchmaker Maria for a hilarious hotline episode about dating, love, and learning when not to "fix" your partner's problems. Go check out his comedy special, Bits and Pieces, today!!

They break down whether weed is a real deal breaker, if one bad joke should end a relationship, and what it really means when someone says they're "going through something." Plus, Jordan shares how Bumble led him to love, why he used to fear commitment, and the relationship lesson every boyfriend needs to hear: sometimes "Wow, that sucks" is enough.

♥️JOIN MARIA'S COMMUNITY + SUBMIT A QUESTION ❓

Ready to date with intention?

💌 Join Maria's Roundtable community or submit your own dating question: 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/askaquestion Use promo code ROUNDTABLE50 for $50 off

✈️ TRAVEL WITH AGAPE ESCAPES

Make new friends. Travel the world. ☀️ Check out upcoming trips: https://agapeescapes.com/ Use code ESCAPES150 for $150 off early bird pricing.

📚 ORDER MARIA'S BOOK + FOLLOW ALONG

✨ Order Maria's book 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/book 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast ⭐ Leave a 5-star review if you're feeling lovable and likable

🌐 CONNECT WITH MARIA

Everything: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria Agape Match IG: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

🎙️ CREDITS

Producer: Venetia Geras https://www.venetiageras.com/

Studio: WTF Media Studios https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

Psychiatrist and couples therapist Dr. Sue Varma joins Matchmaker Maria to explain why optimism isn't something you're born with, it's a skill you can build. They break down the difference between healthy realism and catastrophizing, why overthinking keeps people single, and how "maximizers" sabotage dating by chasing endless options. Plus, they answer a listener question about a boyfriend who's afraid to take the next step toward marriage and whether it's your job to fix your partner's fears. If dating has started to feel hopeless, this episode shares practical ways to change your mindset without falling into toxic positivity.

♥️JOIN MARIA'S COMMUNITY + SUBMIT A QUESTION ❓

Ready to date with intention?

💌 Join Maria's Roundtable community or submit your own dating question: 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/askaquestion Use promo code ROUNDTABLE50 for $50 off

✈️ TRAVEL WITH AGAPE ESCAPES

Make new friends. Travel the world. ☀️ Check out upcoming trips: https://agapeescapes.com/ Use code ESCAPES150 for $150 off early bird pricing.

📚 ORDER MARIA'S BOOK + FOLLOW ALONG

✨ Order Maria's book 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/book 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast ⭐ Leave a 5-star review if you're feeling lovable and likable

🌐 CONNECT WITH MARIA

Everything: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria Agape Match IG: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

🎙️ CREDITS

Producer: Venetia Geras https://www.venetiageras.com/

Studio: WTF Media Studios https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

Jared Freid is back on Ask a Matchmaker to talk about his new book, Walking Red Flag, and why most dating advice completely misses the average guy's perspective. Jared and Maria dive into the "types of singles," why family setups may be better than dating apps, the difference between "main street" and "alleyway" dating, and whether social media is making dating harder than it needs to be. They also debate TikTok dating rules, the taxi cab theory, Snapchat requests, Uber expectations, and why "if he wanted to, he would" might be terrible advice. Plus, Jared plays a rapid-fire round of "Walking Red Flag or Overthinking It?" and gives his take on some of the internet's favorite dating debates.

Support the sponsors, support the show!

Get 25% off Cowboy Colostrum with code MATCHMAKER at http://cowboycolostrum.com/matchmakerhttp://cowboycolostrum.com/matchmaker

♥️JOIN MARIA'S COMMUNITY + SUBMIT A QUESTION ❓

Ready to date with intention?

💌 Join Maria's Roundtable community or submit your own dating question: 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/askaquestion Use promo code ROUNDTABLE50 for $50 off

✈️ TRAVEL WITH AGAPE ESCAPES

Make new friends. Travel the world. ☀️ Check out upcoming trips: https://agapeescapes.com/ Use code ESCAPES150 for $150 off early bird pricing.

📚 ORDER MARIA'S BOOK + FOLLOW ALONG

✨ Order Maria's book 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/book 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast ⭐ Leave a 5-star review if you're feeling lovable and likable

🌐 CONNECT WITH MARIA

Everything: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria Agape Match IG: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

🎙️ CREDITS

Producer: Venetia Geras https://www.venetiageras.com/

Studio: WTF Media Studios https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home