Ask a Matchmaker

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 Together, they unpack how flawed studies and outdated media narratives have fueled this idea while sharing what modern research actually tells us about love, marriage, and divorce.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,...

On this episode of Ask a Matchmaker , Maria is joined by writer Allison Raskin and her husband, former CIA agent turned screenwriter John Blakeslee. They talk about their new podcast Starter Marriage , diving into the realities of modern relationships, communication, and therapy. From Allison's book I Do to John's past in the CIA, the couple shares how their backgrounds shape their approach to mar...

In this special live episode recorded at the legendary 92nd Street Y in New York City, Matchmaker Maria is joined by her dear friend and style expert Chrissy Rutherford for a fun, honest, and wide-ranging conversation about modern love. The two dive into Maria's new book, Ask A Matchmaker , and how it blends human behavior, communication theory, and decades of matchmaking experience to cut through...

This week, Maria shares the highs, surprises, and deep conversations from her Ask a Matchmaker book tour. From readers finding clarity in their relationships to full-blown divorces sparked by missing pillars (yes, really), the impact has been powerful—and personal. Even her husband had thoughts after reading it! Plus, Maria gives her full (spoiler-filled!) recap of The Materialists  movie. Buckle...

On this week's episode of  Ask a Matchmaker ,  Matchmaker Maria  is joined by co-host  Joyelle Nicole Johnson are on a hotline ep, answering your toughest dating dilemmas. First, a 42-year-old single woman from Jersey City is looking for love, but struggles to find men who match her lifestyle and ambition. Maria offers advice on expanding her dating pool beyond NYC, embracing men with kids, and no...

How do you open the conversation about polyamory with your partner, without blowing things up? On this week's episode of  Ask a Matchmaker , Matchmaker Maria is joined by co-host Joyelle Nicole Johnson and NYC-based relationship therapist and professor Melissa Fulgieri to explore the nuances of ethical non-monogamy. From setting ground rules to navigating emotional triggers, Melissa shares expert...

On this week's Ask a Matchmaker, Matchmaker Maria sits down with the fearless and unfiltered Weezy WTF co-host of the Decisions Decisions podcast and co-author of the brand-new book No Holes Barred: A Dual Manifesto of Sexual Exploration and Power . From sugar baby adventures to navigating the emotional rollercoaster of dating in NYC, Weezy shares jaw-dropping stories that are equal parts hilariou...

This week, Matchmaker Maria is joined by her hilarious and heartfelt co-host for the month, comedian Joyelle Nicole Johnson ! They dive deep into what it really means to love someone, and how therapy, timelines, and choosing your own adventure can all be ways to say "I love you." Joyelle shares the origin story of her relationship, from getting set up by none other than Ilana Glazer (yes, that Ila...

This week, Maria is joined by her sister, Matchmaker Chrisoula! before we get into it, Maria's new book,  Matchmaker Maria's No-Nonsense Guide to Finding Love , is out! Go buy it! Now tune in for a special Hotline Episode of the podcast! The two take calls from listeners looking for real-time dating advice, from situationships to second date confusion. Also we dive into a callers life sharing abou...

In Matchmaker Maria's No-Nonsense Guide to Finding Love , celebrity matchmaker Maria Avgitidis blends heartfelt storytelling with decades of experience to offer a refreshingly honest guide to modern dating. Written as a "prescriptive memoir," this isn't just a dating manual it's a candid, deeply personal conversation over coffee with a trusted friend. From her upbringing straddling Greek and Ameri...

Matchmaker Maria is just one week away from the release of her new book Ask a Matchmaker , and she's calling on all her listeners to support it! Whether you're a page-turner or an audiobook addict, now's the time to preorder and get ready to transform your dating life. Then it's time to open the hotline! Maria is joined by her sister and fellow matchmaker, Ursula, as they dive into listener questi...

This week on Ask a Matchmaker , Matchmaker Maria is joined by a fellow matchmaker, her sister and May's   cohost, Chrisoula! The two are diving   into the matchmaking world! W hat it takes, how it works, and why it's not all candlelit dinners and perfect matches. From surprising client obstacles to touching success stories, Maria and Chrisoula pull back the curtain on their day- to- day process, i...