Ask a Matchmaker

In this episode of Ask a Matchmaker , Matchmaker Maria dives into the world of ethical non-monogamy with guests Victoria Joseph and her husband Ryan, professional ENM matchmakers who are married and also swing. Together, they break down what ENM actually means, including the differences between open relationships, swinging, and polyamory, and explain how ethical non-monogamy differs from consensua...

In this Hotline episode, Matchmaker Maria is joined by author and late-bloomer expert Allora Dannon to deliver no-nonsense dating advice rooted in clarity, confidence, and tough love! They tackle real listener dilemmas, starting with a woman struggling to finally break up and whether going no contact is the only way to heal. They revisit an update from the woman who discovered her boyfriend on a d...

In this special year-end episode of Ask A Matchmaker , Matchmaker Maria looks back on the biggest dating lessons of 2025 and what they mean for intentional dating in 2026. Featuring standout guests like Vera Papisova, Joyelle Nicole Johnson, Weezy W.T.F, Jared Freid, Kaneez Surka, Erika Ettin, Tara Cannistraci, and more, Matchmaker Maria breaks down conversations on politics, polyamory, attachment...

What happens to connection when we put our phones away? Matchmaker Maria sits down with Randy Ginsberg, founder of Kanso , to unpack phubbing (phone snubbing), modern dating burnout, and why being truly present has become one of the most underrated relationship skills. Together, they explore how intentional, phone-free spaces create deeper conversations, stronger chemistry, and real opportunities...

Comedian and writer Caitlin Peluffo returns to Ask a Matchmaker for an honest catch-up with matchmaker Maria after a major relationship shake-up. Caitlin opens up about calling off a long engagement, what it taught her about passion, independence, and settling, and why starting over in her 30s has been unexpectedly empowering! Together, they dive into dating while living alone, long-distance relat...

This week, Maria talks with author and speaker Emily Goodson about her new book  Dating Disability: 15 Stories of Dealing with the BS and Building Confidence . Emily shares her experiences dating with a disability and how working with an intimacy coach helped her break patterns of shame and self-protection. They discuss visible and invisible disabilities, the social barriers disabled people face,...

This week, Maria talks with creator and political strategist Tega Orhorhoro bout growing up in a Nigerian household, dealing with constant pressure to "reach the next milestone," and learning to date on her own terms. Tega shares how reading Ask a Matchmaker changed how she approaches apps and why small updates to her profile completely shifted who she matches with. They also talk about Tega's ris...

Maria sits down with journalist and podcast host Nayeema Raza for a sharp, funny, deeply insightful conversation about the rise of AI dating companions, why posting your partner now feels embarrassing, and how Zohran Mamdani's love story gives real hope for dating in NYC! Maria and Nayeema talk about the rise of AI dating companions and how many young adults are turning to emotional relationships...

Maria sits down with NYU professor and AI pioneer Vasant Dhar for a grounded, eye-opening conversation about how artificial intelligence is reshaping our lives! They break down the rise of AI companions, the risks of sharing personal information with chatbots, and why these systems can feel human while still lacking empathy. Maria and Professor Dhar explore how modern AI "knows a little about ever...

Matchmaker Maria sits down with therapist Rebecca Marcus to explore how millennial women can break toxic dating patterns and build meaningful, healthy relationships. They discuss attachment styles, nervous system regulation, and how urgency and anxiety can shape who we choose and why. Rebecca shares how slowing down, building self-trust, and practicing emotional awareness can transform your dating...

Matchmaker Maria dives deep into why modern dating feels harder than ever, and why it's not your fault! Maria explores how convenience culture has stripped away connection and offers practical, no-nonsense ways to rebuild your "dating muscles." From reclaiming third places to embracing real-world friction, Maria shares how to create opportunities for love instead of waiting for them. If you're rea...

Comedian and writer Jenny Zigrino returns to Ask a Matchmaker to talk with Maria about grief, growth, and her decision to have a baby without a partner. Jenny opens up about freezing her eggs, navigating identity changes after weight loss, and finding humor in the hardest parts of life. They discuss her one-woman show Afterbirth and how loss inspired her to rebuild on her own terms. It's an honest...

Award-winning journalist Vera Papisova returns to Ask a Matchmaker to continue the conversation about her viral undercover investigation, dating men on the far right in New York City. In this episode, Maria and Vera unpack how politics, media, and morality are shaping modern dating culture and the values we bring to relationships. They explore how misinformation spreads through "independent media,...

At 32, writer and self-proclaimed late bloomer Allora Dannon had never been kissed, never been asked out, and had never been on a date. Then one cuffing season changed everything 💛 This week on Ask a Matchmaker, Matchmaker Maria sits down with Allora, author of the new memoir Who Is She: A Late Bloomer's Survival Guide, to unpack what it means to start dating later in life. They talk about growin...

In dating, rejection is part of the process, but when 'no' isn't acknowledged, it can lead to heartbreak, harm, and even tragedy. In this solo episode, Matchmaker Maria addresses two recent cases in New Jersey that underscore the real-world consequences of ignoring boundaries and consent. She outlines the stories of Maria Notis, Isabella Salas, Dr. Lauren Semanchik, and Tyler Webb to highlight pat...

Matchmaker Maria is joined by clinical psychologist  Dr. Melissa Robinson Brown to tackle the myth that women are "too successful" to find love. Together, they unpack how flawed studies and outdated media narratives have fueled this idea while sharing what modern research actually tells us about love, marriage, and divorce. Dr. Mel also opens up about how our parents influence who we choose as par...

This week Matchmaker Maria is joined by Rachel Janfaza, founder of The Up and Up, to explore the growing divide between Gen Z men and women. They discuss how social media, algorithms, and traditional expectations shape attitudes toward marriage, children, and career success. The conversation also dives into the impact of the #MeToo movement, gender dynamics, and the pressures young adults face in...

This week on Ask a Matchmaker , Maria sits down with fellow Matchmaker Radha Patel to explore the world of South Asian matchmaking. They dive into how cultural traditions, family expectations, and modern dating values intersect for singles from Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, and West Indian backgrounds. Radha shares how her work balances heritage with today's dating challenges, from n...

On this episode of Ask a Matchmaker , Maria reflects on wrapping up her summer solo series and challenges listeners to reconnect with three people they haven't spoken to in a while. She dives into the male loneliness epidemic and the ways modern dating apps can fuel disconnection, expanding on ideas from her recently viral Substack article. Maria also shares insights from her time in Greece, where...

This week on Ask A Matchmaker, Matchmaker Maria is joined by her sister and fellow matchmaker Chrisoula for a special anniversary episode recorded in Crete. Chrisoula shares the story of her 12-year marriage and what it takes to grow with a partner you met at 19. The sisters talk about communication, setting boundaries, and how generational trauma impacts conflict resolution. They reflect on growi...

This week's Ask a Matchmaker Hotline has everything from dating app burnout to inspiring relationship updates. One caller, 40, tried a bold Hinge strategy but got no results, so Maria advises her to take a break from swiping and start meeting people IRL, even suggesting a Star Trek convention. Another caller, 41, struggles with being sexualized online despite having a thoughtful profile, and Maria...

This week on Ask a Matchmaker , Maria celebrates 5 powerful years of conversations that have redefined how we talk about dating, relationships, and emotional growth. To mark the anniversary, she's sharing five unforgettable episodes that showcase the heart and range of the show. Hear from Weezy WTF about sex, power, and dating after the pandemic in NYC. Go undercover with journalist Vera Papisova...

On this week's Solo Summer Session, Matchmaker Maria dives into the rise of the Gen Z stare and how it reflects shifting norms in dating and communication. From emotionless customer service to silent babysitters, she shares real-life encounters that left her questioning today's social cues. Maria explores how Gen Z's unique upbringing, including remote schooling, may impact their ability to build...

In this week's Ask a Matchmaker , Matchmaker Maria answers hotline calls from women navigating trust, loss, and new beginnings in dating. One caller suspects her boyfriend may be using a dating app, prompting a deep dive into digital infidelity, gut instincts, and whether to stay or go after two years together. Maria shares clear next steps for rebuilding trust or walking away when your goals do n...

In this episode of Ask a Matchmaker , Maria shares highlights from her recent women's retreat in Greece, reflecting on the creation of Agape Escapes and the meaningful experiences the group had together. She opens up about the surreal feeling of being off the grid during global events and reveals how one special location inspired the cover of her upcoming book. Maria also teases upcoming retreats,...