Podcast Summary
Podcast: Kat on the Loose
Host: Kat Zammuto
Guest: Jaydi Samuels Kuba, Professional Matchmaker
Episode: "YOUR LAST FIRST DATE WITH MATCHMAKER JAYDI SAMUELS KUBA"
Date: December 10, 2025
Overview of the Episode
In this episode, Kat Zammuto invites matchmaker Jaydi Samuels Kuba for an unfiltered discussion about the realities, myths, and ethics of modern matchmaking. Together, they deep-dive into industry secrets, business models, safety concerns, and empowerment in dating, with Jaydi highlighting her unique approach and lessons gleaned from years in the field. The episode aims to educate listeners on navigating matchmaking services, setting realistic expectations, and regaining faith in finding love.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Reputation and Ethics of Matchmaking
[00:10 – 03:39]
- Kat opens by addressing the often negative public perception of matchmakers, referencing feedback from her global audience and friends.
- Jaydi empathizes with those dissatisfied but differentiates her process from larger, impersonal matchmaking conglomerates. She explains:
- Her firm is “referral-only,” operates locally in Los Angeles, and meets every client face-to-face.
- “It’s really like friends setting up friends.” (Jaydi, [01:19])
- Criticizes the common industry practice of large national databases with little vetting, where clients are set up “sight unseen.”
2. The ‘Database Problem’ and Pricing Transparency
[03:39 – 09:28]
- Kat shares concerns about most matchmaking companies prioritizing paying clients (often men) and randomly matching women from vast databases, leading to frequent mismatches.
- Jaydi clarifies her company’s transparent, affordable pricing:
- “We charge 3.99 for six months of matchmaking.” (Jaydi, [06:31])
- Their model charges women (not men as is typical in the industry), aiming to attract high-quality, commitment-minded men who wouldn’t otherwise use matchmaking.
- “Our whole slogan is we want love to be affordable to everybody.” (Jaydi, [06:41])
- Men are included by invitation and through referrals only; they do not pay but must be vouched for to ensure safety and quality.
3. Addressing Safety and Bad Experiences
[12:00 – 16:01]
- Kat recounts personal horror stories dealing with matchmakers and dangerous dates, including a situation where a referral resulted in real-life harassment.
- Jaydi explains the move to a referral-only model:
- “It allows us to sleep at night… trying as hard as we can to make sure everybody is in an exciting and also safe environment.” (Jaydi, [15:01])
4. How to Vet Matchmakers—Questions You Must Ask
[19:10 – 28:44]
- Jaydi offers advice for listeners considering matchmakers:
- Ask where they source their database from.
- Be skeptical of advertised “success rates”:
- “It's impossible... I call bullshit. It is impossible.” (Jaydi, [25:05])
- Always follow up: “What does ‘success’ mean at your company?”
- Check if potential matches are from their own database or outsourced elsewhere.
- The industry lacks true oversight or governing bodies, so individuals must do their own due diligence.
5. The Matchmaker’s Own Relationship Status—Does it Matter?
[20:12 – 24:10]
- Debate: Should a matchmaker be in a successful relationship themselves?
- Kat: “Would you go to a dentist that has bad teeth?” ([23:12])
- Jaydi: While her own story supports this view (she married a client), she defends single matchmakers who might still be excellent at the job, leaving “room for the outliers.” ([24:10])
6. Tackling Prejudices: Gold-digging, Providers, and Empowerment
[28:44 – 33:09]
- Kat highlights that many men complain about women only seeking financial gain.
- Jaydi’s approach is to de-emphasize money as a matching factor and attract women who are successful in their own right.
- “My database has a ton of men who are very successful… but the metric for matching is not financial.” (Jaydi, [31:23])
- Jaydi warns that “marrying for money” is a risky strategy—wealth can vanish.
7. The Importance of an Empowered Approach and Date Coaching
[33:10 – 36:38]
- Jaydi details her date coaching offer (internationally available). Coaching covers:
- Overcoming first-date nerves.
- Breaking negative patterns.
- Becoming a “better flirt” and learning where to meet compatible people.
- Guarantees personal growth: “With coaching, you will see improvement… With matchmaking, I find your husband or your wife or I don't.”
8. Burnout, Taking Breaks, and Staying Open to Love
[36:38 – 41:56]
- Kat addresses listener fatigue with dating, referencing the “dating diet” concept—taking breaks, but not giving up.
- Jaydi agrees rest is healthy but encourages returning to love:
- “You can’t find the right person until you’re happy on your own. It’s cliché, but I really believe it.” ([37:06])
- Suggests having friends help manage dating profiles for a fun, fresh perspective—sharing a recent example where friends matching on behalf led to marriage.
9. Final Encouragements and Resources
[41:56 – End]
- Kat and Jaydi reinforce: Never give up on love. Even if you take breaks, stay open and “findable.”
- Jaydi's book, "Your Last First Date," is available for pre-order and aims to further educate and empower daters.
Memorable Quotes
- “It’s really like friends setting up friends.”
— Jaydi, on the essence of her matchmaking approach ([01:19]) - “Our whole slogan is we want love to be affordable to everybody.”
— Jaydi ([06:41]) - “Would you go to a dentist that has bad teeth?”
— Kat, on self-reflective expertise among matchmakers ([23:12]) - “I call bullshit. It is impossible.”
— Jaydi, on inflated success rates claimed by matchmaking companies ([25:05]) - “With coaching, you will see improvement. With matchmaking, I find your husband or your wife or I don’t.”
— Jaydi, on realistic expectations ([35:37]) - “You can’t find the right person until you’re happy on your own.”
— Jaydi ([37:06])
Important Timestamps for Segments
| Timestamp | Segment/Theme | |------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:10 | Misconceptions and reputation of matchmakers | | 03:39 | The matchmaking “database problem” and pricing | | 06:31 | Transparent rates and business model | | 12:00 | Safety, referrals, and industry horror stories | | 19:10 | How to vet your matchmaker—key questions | | 25:05 | Exposing misleading “success rates” in the industry | | 31:23 | Money and intentions: not matching for wealth | | 33:10 | The importance of personalized date coaching | | 36:38 | Dating burnout and taking a healthy “dating diet” | | 41:56 | Final encouragement, info on Jaydi’s book, social links |
Resources
- Jaydi's Book: "Your Last First Date" (Pre-order available everywhere)
- Instagram: @MatchMadeinHollywood
- Website: LJMatchmaking.com
Closing Note:
This conversation is a must-listen for anyone frustrated with dating, considering using a matchmaker, or simply looking to improve their love life. Both Kat and Jaydi bring honesty, tough questions, and empowerment—reminding us that while the “dating show” can be rough, the right approach (and a healthy break) can keep hope alive.