Ask a Matchmaker

Why is Gen Z having less sex? Kinsey Institute Executive Director Dr. Justin Garcia returns to discuss the new Playboy study, including why 50% of Gen Z respondents haven't had sex recently or ever, and why 34% of young men say porn completely satisfies their sexual desires. Matchmaker Maria and Dr. Garcia also explore how money, living with your parents, and economic uncertainty affect sex lives, plus the importance of consent and sex education. Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors! Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists & mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/matchmaker #rulapod #ad

Stand-up comedian Daniela Mora joins Matchmaker Maria for a hotline episode!! The two first talk about Daniela's recently new relationship, starting out long-distance, and how she and her boyfriend first connected on Snapchat and sexted before dating. They get into what actually makes a green flag, why Daniela loves her boyfriend's work ethic, and where strip clubs fit into the "red flag or not?" conversation. Plus, they answer a listener's question about whether you should tell the person you're dating that you're also going on dates with other people. We said, NO but curious your takes!

Matchmaker Maria kicks off Season 7 with a wild update: after being featured in the New York Times and making headlines in Greece, her matchmaking company, Agape Match, was impersonated by a scam center targeting single men on Telegram. She shares how the scammers stole photos of her real employees, created fake dating profiles, charged victims everything from $50 activation fees to $25,000, and even used AI generated women to make the scam look real. It's a scary story that you need to listen to so you can be sure you're not next!! Support the podcast by supporting our sponsor! Connect with quality therapists & mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/matchmaker #rulapod #ad

Matchmaker Maria and Louie Felix tackle dating after divorce, including how a single mom with two young kids can find a serious relationship and why the six-date rule can help. They also get into the ultimate couple fight: dirty dishes, different cleaning habits, and what those little conflicts can reveal before marriage. Plus, they break down what to do when someone's actions don't match their words and how much lifestyle compatibility really matters.

Suzy Welch joins Matchmaker Maria to break down VALUES and what your core values can reveal about dating, compatibility, marriage, and the life you actually want. They get into why values (not personality) can make or break a relationship, the "divorce values" to watch for, why place and "belovedness" can be major dealbreakers, and whether couples really need to share the same top values. Also, Suzie shares what happened when her daughter and her fiance took the Values Bridge and discovered their top six values were exactly the same! Check out the The Values Bridge code MATCHMAKER today and comment your top 5 in the comments!

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. ♥️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

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 ❓ 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

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 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

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. 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

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 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

Comedian 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

Maria 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

Gen 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