Ask a Matchmaker

Latest Episodes:

Are Smartphones Contributing to the Birth Rate Crisis? ft Christine Emba Aug 04, 2026

Show notes

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.

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🎙️ CREDITS

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

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

Can Grief Show You You're With the Wrong Person? ft. Gus Constantellis Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

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

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The 4 Dating Personality Types That Predict Compatibility Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

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 ❓

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💌 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

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Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

🎙️ CREDITS

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

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

Why Feeling "Too Much" Is Actually a Strength ft Alison Leiby Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

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

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

🎙️ CREDITS

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

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

Should One Bad Joke End a Date? ft Jourdian Fisher Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

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

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

🎙️ CREDITS

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

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

Practical Optimism Can Save Your Dating Life ft Dr. Sue Varma Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

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

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

🎙️ CREDITS

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

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

Jared Freid Explains the Different Types of SINGLE Jun 23, 2026

Show notes

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.

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♥️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

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

🎙️ CREDITS

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

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

Should You Go On A Second Date Without Chemistry? ft Amy Chan Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

Amy Chan, author of On Single, joins Matchmaker Maria to break down why so many people feel burned out by dating and what they're getting wrong! They discuss Amy's "dating funnel," why a lack of chemistry on a first date shouldn't always be a dealbreaker, and how doomscrolling, TikTok, and dopamine overload may be sabotaging your love life. Plus, a listener from Miami asks how to stay hopeful after disappointing dates, and Amy shares her favorite pre-date ritual to create better connections. If you're tired of dating apps, chasing sparks, or wondering why first dates never go anywhere, 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

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

🎙️ CREDITS

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

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

Is Dating Your Friend's Ex Ever Okay? A Summer House Debate with Chrissy Rutherford Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

Matchmaker Maria sits down with writer and mental health advocate Chrissy Rutherford to discuss the Summer House drama behind her essay, Ciara's Story is a Story I Know Too Well. From dating a friend's ex to the complicated realities of interracial dating, Chrissy explains why Ciara's experience struck such a nerve with so many black women. They dive into fetishization, friendship loyalty, codependent relationships, and the emotional impact of feeling desired but not chosen.

support the show, support the sponsors! Go to https://OmahaSteaks.com and use promo code MATCHMAKER at checkout for $35 off. Minimum purchase may apply.

♥️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

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

🎙️ CREDITS

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

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

Heated Rivalry Reveals the Reality of Avoidant Dating Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

What can a steamy hockey romance teach us about attachment styles, situationships, and emotional vulnerability? This week, Matchmaker Maria is joined by her sister and fellow matchmaker, Chrisoula Mavrianos, to break down the hit series Heated Rivalry through the lens of dating psychology. They unpack why Shane and Ilya's 7 year push-pull dynamic feels so familiar, explore fearful avoidant vs. dismissive avoidant attachment styles, and compare the show's emotional tension to Normal People, Bridgerton, and classic Jane Austen romances. Plus, they dive into the art of yearning, why women LOVE slow-burn love stories, and reveal which character they'd actually choose for a healthy relationship.

♥️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

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

🎙️ CREDITS

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

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