Podcast
Ask a Matchmaker
Hosted by Maria Avgitidis · EN
Ask a Matchmaker is your weekly go-to podcast for all things love and relationships. Hosted by fourth generation matchmaker and founder of Agape Match, Maria Avgitidis, Ask a Matchmaker gives you no-nonsense insight into dating, relationships, compatibility, and love. Maria and her weekly special guest answer questions to help you venture through the jungle that is modern love. Whether you're looking for someone or you're happily taken, Maria will keep you inspired to keep going down the path of love every week, and hopefully gain a great tip or two to ignite the spark or keep the sparks flying!
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Practical Optimism Can Save Your Dating Life ft Dr. Sue Varma
3d ago00:47:23Tap to summarizePsychiatrist 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
Transcribe →Jared Freid Explains the Different Types of SINGLE
1w ago00:40:26Tap to summarizeJared 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/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
Transcribe →Should You Go On A Second Date Without Chemistry? ft Amy Chan
2w ago00:20:20Tap to summarizeAmy 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 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
Transcribe →Is Dating Your Friend's Ex Ever Okay? A Summer House Debate with Chrissy Rutherford
3w ago00:30:57Tap to summarizeMatchmaker 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 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
Transcribe →Heated Rivalry Reveals the Reality of Avoidant Dating
Jun 200:28:06Tap to summarizeWhat 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 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
Transcribe →Doing Chores Literally Saved My Marriage ft. Jordan Carlos
May 2600:23:39Tap to summarizeComedian and author Jordan Carlos joins Matchmaker Maria to talk about the surprisingly sexy secret to saving a relationship: doing the chores without being asked! From "invisible labor" and executive function to a grabbing some milk, they get into why a clean kitchen can actually improve your sex life! This episode gets hilariously real about marriage, gender roles, and modern dating. Jordan opens up about hitting a rough patch 10 years into marriage, realizing he'd become a bit of a man child, and how learning to truly co-parent changed everything at home. Maria agrees saying women notice the missing top sheet immediately, and the small habits actually make someone more attractive. If you've ever wondered whether buying extra coffee creamer counts as romance… this episode says YES! Support the sponsors, support the show! Ask A Matchmaker fans get 20% off Bleume liquid plant food with code MATCHMAKER at http://GrowBleume.com
Transcribe →Why Ambitious Women Get Rejected More ft Stefanie O'Connell
May 1900:31:41Tap to summarizeCan ambition ruin a relationship? Matchmaker Maria sits down with author and journalist Stefanie O'Connell to unpack why ambitious women are still being labeled "too much" in dating, work, and marriage. They discuss the research behind men pulling away when women out-earn them, why women still do more household labor even when they make more money, and how "provider mentality" can sometimes really mean control. Maria also shares what she's seeing in modern dating, from men wanting "ambitious women" until they actually meet one, to the rise of trad wife content and 27-year-olds panicking over finding a husband. Plus, they answer a listener question from a NYC finance executive whose boyfriend admitted he was intimidated by her career success. Check out Stefanie's new book! 👉The Ambition Penalty: How Corporate Culture Tells Women to Step Up — and Then Pushes Them Down Support the sponsors, support the show! Ask A Matchmaker fans get 20% off Bleume liquid plant food with code MATCHMAKER at http://GrowBleume.com Get 25% off Cowboy Colostrum with code MATCHMAKER at http://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
Transcribe →Wired to Connect: The Science of Love, Lust & Fidelity with Kinsey Institute Director Dr. Justin Garcia
May 1200:41:00Tap to summarizeMaria Avgitidis sits down with Justin Garcia, PhD of the Kinsey Institute to break down the science behind modern dating, ghosting, dating apps, attraction, AI in dating, hookup culture and relationships. Maria and Justin get into why over 70% of singles have fallen for someone they usually wouldn't think they'd be attracted to and why Gen Z says they value authenticity yet nearly 50% of them are using AI in their dating lives. They discuss whether first-date chemistry is overrated, why ghosting may actually may come from fear of rejection and conflict, and the difference between social monogamy and sexual monogamy. Plus, Justin shares the Kinsey Institute's research on emojis, sexting, hookup culture, pair bonding, and why "the grass is greener where you water it" may be the most important dating advice singles need right now! 📚Check out Justin's new book, The Intimate Animal, today! Support the sponsors, support the show! Ask A Matchmaker fans get 20% off Bleume liquid plant food with code MATCHMAKER at http://GrowBleume.com 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 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
Transcribe →How to AVOID Situationships Early in Dating
May 500:15:57Tap to summarizeMatchmaker Maria is back with a hotline episode tackling the dating questions everyone is actually thinking about. She breaks down why shows like Heated Rivalry, Bridgerton, and Grey's Anatomy have women hooked, and why vulnerability in men is the real turn-on. Then, a 37-year-old man asks how to follow the 12 Date Rule without killing the chemistry, and Maria explains how to show attraction without rushing into sex or creating a situationship. She also answers a listener wondering if their urge to flirt means they're non-monogamous or just not choosing the right partner. From emotional connection to the reality of long-term love, this episode gets honest about what dating really takes. Connect with quality therapists & mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/matchmaker #rulapod #ad ♥️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
Transcribe →Why Gen Z Is Having Less Sex? ft Dr. Carli Blau
Apr 2800:41:17Tap to summarizeGen Z is having less sex! And THIS episode breaks down exactly why! Matchmaker Maria sits down with sex therapist Dr. Carli Blau to talk about the "sex recession," including stats like 1 in 3 men under 30 not having sex and people waiting longer for their first experience. They get into how dating apps, fear of rejection, and growing up online are making real-life connection harder, plus why hyper-sexual messages like "do you like butt play?" are replacing normal conversation! Dr. Carli explains why many cases of painful sex are driven by anxiety and fear, not just physical issues. Plus, real advice on how to build your social muscle, meet people in real life, and stop over-filtering your dating pool. Ask A Matchmaker fans can buy one prescription pair and get 20% off additional pairs at http://WarbyParker.com/MATCHMAKER Use our link to support the show! #WarbyParker #ad ♥️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
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