Dating apps, AI matchmaking, modern love, Valentine's Day dating, and real relationship tips collide in this solo episode as Matchmaker Maria breaks down the rise of AI matchmakers and what they actually get wrong about human connection. From chatbot dating coaches to algorithm-driven matches, Maria explores why faster swiping doesn't equal better relationships, and why real matchmaking has always been about community, accountability, and growth. She shares behind-the-scenes insight from the dating industry, explains how AI can help (and hurt) your love life, and calls out the difference between validation and true compatibility. Plus, practical dating tips for 2026, how to expand your social circle, and what to do if you're single this Valentine's Day (hint: it involves dive bars and courage). If you're navigating dating apps, dating fatigue, or wondering whether tech can replace chemistry, this episode is your fun, honest, and deeply human reality check!

Be sure to use the promo code: roundtable50 to join Maria's community or submit your own dating question! 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/

☀️ https://agapeescapes.com/ use ESCAPES150 for an early bird discount! ☀️

✨ Don't forget to order Maria's book, follow us on social, and leave a review if you're feeling lovable and likable. 💕

🤩 Check out Maria's Websites and Socials! 🙌

💖Podcast Website: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ 💖Agape Match Website: https://agapematch.com/ 💖Matchmaker Maria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria 💖Matchmaker Maria Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria 💖Agape Match Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ 💖Agame Match Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch 💖Agape Match Twitter: https://www.x.com/AgapeMatch

🙋‍♀️Our Producer Venetia AKA V Website - https://www.venetiageras.com/ Twitter - https://X.com/venetiaageras Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/venetiaageras/

🎥 by WTF Media Studios Website - https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

ABOUT THIS PODCAST 🔗 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!

It's a fun hotline episode with Sex and the City impressions, dating long distance advice, and knowing that marriage isn't for you! Matchmaker Maria is joined by hilarious stand up comedian Anna Roisman for a hotline episode packed with dating advice, love, and real-life dilemmas. Maria even gets to hear Anna's spot-on Steve from Sex and the City impersonation as they break down relationships, commitment, and modern dating expectations.

Callers ask tough, emotional questions, including whether long-distance dating can work when you barely know someone, how to rebuild confidence and flirt again, and how to navigate a relationship after cancer treatment and infertility. Maria and Anna also play a voicemail from a listener dating after the death of a spouse at 50, and what starting over can really look like. With expert matchmaker insight and comedian honesty, this episode delivers practical advice, empathy, and laughs for anyone dating through uncertainty, loss, or big life changes.

Be sure to use the promo code: roundtable50 to join Maria's community or submit your own dating question! 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/

☀️ https://agapeescapes.com/ use ESCAPES150 for an early bird discount! ☀️

✨ Don't forget to order Maria's book, follow us on social, and leave a review if you're feeling lovable and likable. 💕

🤩 Check out Maria's Websites and Socials! 🙌

💖Podcast Website: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ 💖Agape Match Website: https://agapematch.com/ 💖Matchmaker Maria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria 💖Matchmaker Maria Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria 💖Agape Match Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ 💖Agame Match Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch 💖Agape Match Twitter: https://www.x.com/AgapeMatch

🙋‍♀️Our Producer Venetia AKA V Website - https://www.venetiageras.com/ Twitter - https://X.com/venetiaageras Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/venetiaageras/

🎥 by WTF Media Studios Website - https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

ABOUT THIS PODCAST 🔗 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!

Women menopause and perimenopause take center stage as Matchmaker Maria sits down with therapist and women's health advocate Lauren Tetenbaum, author of Millennial Menopause, to talk about what's really happening in the body and why most of us were never taught this. They break down the truth that menopause is technically one day, while perimenopause can last years and affect mood, sleep, libido, brain fog, and vaginal health. Lauren explains why medical education around menopause is still limited, what treatment options actually exist, and why pain, rage, or exhaustion should never be brushed off. The episode also gives clear advice for partners on how to support women going through perimenopause without minimizing or mocking their experience. A must-listen conversation about women's health, intimacy, mental health, and preparing for a major life transition before it catches you off guard.

To work with Lauren and learn more about her psychotherapy practice, visit thecounseLaur.com. Her book, Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause, and Life's Next Period, is available at millennialmenopause.com and wherever books are sold. Visit Lauren at a book tour event (https://agendahero.com/page/millennial-menopause) or follow her on Instagram 👉 @thecounselaur

Be sure to use the promo code: roundtable50 to join Maria's community or submit your own dating question! 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/

☀️ https://agapeescapes.com/ use ESCAPES150 for an early bird discount! ☀️

✨ Don't forget to order Maria's book, follow us on social, and leave a review if you're feeling lovable and likable. 💕

🤩 Check out Maria's Websites and Socials! 🙌

💖Podcast Website: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ 💖Agape Match Website: https://agapematch.com/ 💖Matchmaker Maria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria 💖Matchmaker Maria Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria 💖Agape Match Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ 💖Agame Match Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch 💖Agape Match Twitter: https://www.x.com/AgapeMatch

🙋‍♀️Our Producer Venetia AKA V Website - https://www.venetiageras.com/ Twitter - https://X.com/venetiaageras Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/venetiaageras/

🎥 by WTF Media Studios Website - https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

ABOUT THIS PODCAST 🔗 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!

Divorce, emotional healing, lonliness in divorce, and dating after divorce are explored as therapist Oona Metz joins Matchmaker Maria for an honest conversation about why divorce is not a bad word. This episode covers the 5 top reasons for divorce, why the opposite of love is not hate, why you are not alone in your divorce, and how divorce can be a powerful life transition instead of a failure.

Oona shares insights from her bestselling book Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women and explains the emotional stages of divorce, including heartbreak, grief, letting go, and moving forward. Maria and Oona discuss finding the strength to transition into divorce, releasing shame, and rebuilding identity after marriage ends. They talk about divorce as a process of healing, growth, and self-trust, especially for women navigating co-parenting, dating again, or choosing peace over pressure. This episode reminds listeners that divorce can be the beginning of a healthier, more honest life and encourages anyone going through it to pick up Unhitched as a guide through the journey.

Oona Metz is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Certified Group Psychotherapist, and author of Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women, bringing 30 years of experience supporting women through major life transitions. Her book focuses on the emotional side of divorce, offering practical tools, relatable stories, and guidance to help women move through separation, co-parenting, and life after marriage with clarity and strength.

Be sure to use the promo code: roundtable50 to join Maria's community or submit your own dating question! 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/

☀️ https://agapeescapes.com/ use ESCAPES150 for an early bird discount! ☀️

✨ Don't forget to order Maria's book, follow us on social, and leave a review if you're feeling lovable and likable. 💕

🤩 Check out Maria's Websites and Socials! 🙌

💖Podcast Website: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ 💖Agape Match Website: https://agapematch.com/ 💖Matchmaker Maria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria 💖Matchmaker Maria Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria 💖Agape Match Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ 💖Agame Match Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch 💖Agape Match Twitter: https://www.x.com/AgapeMatch

🙋‍♀️Our Producer Venetia AKA V Website - https://www.venetiageras.com/ Twitter - https://X.com/venetiaageras Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/venetiaageras/

🎥 by WTF Media Studios Website - https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

ABOUT THIS PODCAST 🔗 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!

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 consensual non-monogamy. Victoria and Ryan share how they entered the lifestyle, common misconceptions about the swinger community, and why communication, consent, and respect are essential. The conversation also explores jealousy, safety, dating norms, and how matchmaking works within non-monogamous communities.

Victoria runs Birds of a Feather Matchmaking, an exclusive concierge-style service for individuals seeking ENM, polyamorous, and lifestyle-focused relationships, where authentic connection and transparency aren't just welcomed, they're celebrated check out more 👉birdsofafeathermatchmaking.com

☀️ https://agapeescapes.com/ use ESCAPES150 for an early bird discount! ☀️

Be sure to use the promo code: roundtable50 to join Maria's community or submit your own dating question! 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/

✨ Don't forget to order Maria's book, follow us on social, and leave a review if you're feeling lovable and likable. 💕

🤩 Check out Maria's Websites and Socials! 🙌

💖Podcast Website: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ 💖Agape Match Website: https://agapematch.com/ 💖Matchmaker Maria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria 💖Matchmaker Maria Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria 💖Agape Match Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ 💖Agame Match Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch 💖Agape Match Twitter: https://www.x.com/AgapeMatch

🙋‍♀️Our Producer Venetia AKA V Website - https://www.venetiageras.com/ Twitter - https://X.com/venetiaageras Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/venetiaageras/

🎥 by WTF Media Studios Website - https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

ABOUT THIS PODCAST 🔗 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!

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 dating app. Does she break it off with him, or are they still together? A gay man calls in after successfully using the 12-date rule and asks how to move from dating to exclusivity without getting ghosted. Plus, Maria & Allora address a woman worried about meeting someone who checks every box on paper but sparks zero physical attraction, and whether "the whole package" is enough! Don't miss this juicy hotline episode!

☀️ https://agapeescapes.com/ use ESCAPES150 for an early bird discount! ☀️

Be sure to use the promo code: roundtable50 to join Maria's community or submit your own dating question! 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/

✨ Don't forget to order Maria's book, follow us on social, and leave a review if you're feeling lovable and likable. 💕

🤩 Check out Maria's Websites and Socials! 🙌

💖Podcast Website: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ 💖Agape Match Website: https://agapematch.com/ 💖Matchmaker Maria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria 💖Matchmaker Maria Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria 💖Agape Match Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ 💖Agame Match Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch 💖Agape Match Twitter: https://www.x.com/AgapeMatch

🙋‍♀️Our Producer Venetia AKA V Website - https://www.venetiageras.com/ Twitter - https://X.com/venetiaageras Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/venetiaageras/

🎥 by WTF Media Studios Website - https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

ABOUT THIS PODCAST 🔗 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!

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 styles, money, AI, and modern love. You'll hear honest insights on dating boundaries, emotional compatibility, first dates, and how to build real connection. Plus, Maria answers listener questions on financial dealbreakers and why some great dates don't lead to second dates. If you're single, dating, or rethinking your relationship approach, this episode gives you clarity, confidence, and practical dating advice you can actually use!

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 for both romantic and platonic connection.

This is not a singles event and it's not networking. It's an evening designed to help you unplug, talk like a human again, and experience what dating and socializing feel like without doomscrolling, distractions, or performative small talk. Expect thoughtful prompts, honest dialogue, and a room full of curious, emotionally available people who are actually worth putting your phone down for.

Come for the connection. Leave with clarity, community, and a reminder that presence is still the most attractive quality in the room.

☀️get yourself a last minute holiday gift and go to https://agapeescapes.com/ use ESCAPES150 for an early bird discount! ☀️

Be sure to use the promo code: roundtable50 to join Maria's community or submit your own dating question! 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/

✨ Don't forget to order Maria's book, follow us on social, and leave a review if you're feeling lovable and likable. 💕

🤩 Check out My Websites and Socials! 🙌

💖Podcast Website: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ 💖Agape Match Website: https://agapematch.com/ 💖Matchmaker Maria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria 💖Matchmaker Maria Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria 💖Agape Match Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ 💖Agame Match Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch 💖Agape Match Twitter: https://www.x.com/AgapeMatch

🙋‍♀️Our Producer Venetia AKA V Website - https://www.venetiageras.com/ Twitter - https://X.com/venetiaageras Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/venetiaageras/

🎥 by WTF Media Studios Website - https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

ABOUT THIS PODCAST 🔗 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!

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 relationships, marriage timelines, and redefining partnership. The episode also tackles listener questions, including navigating city life versus farm life and whether staying friends with an ex-with-benefits ever really works. A candid, funny, and deeply relatable conversation about choosing yourself and dating with intention!

☀️ https://agapeescapes.com/ use ESCAPES150 for an early bird discount! ☀️

Be sure to use the promo code: roundtable50 to join Maria's community or submit your own dating question! 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/

✨ Don't forget to order Maria's book, follow us on social, and leave a review if you're feeling lovable and likable. 💕

🤩 Check out My Websites and Socials! 🙌

💖Podcast Website: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ 💖Agape Match Website: https://agapematch.com/ 💖Matchmaker Maria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria 💖Matchmaker Maria Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria 💖Agape Match Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ 💖Agame Match Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch 💖Agape Match Twitter: https://www.x.com/AgapeMatch

🙋‍♀️Our Producer Venetia AKA V Website - https://www.venetiageras.com/ Twitter - https://X.com/venetiaageras Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/venetiaageras/

🎥 by WTF Media Studios Website - https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

ABOUT THIS PODCAST 🔗 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!

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, and why representation in dating and media matters. This conversation is full of insight for anyone looking to date with confidence, empathy, and self-awareness. Pick up Dating Disability wherever books are sold and follow Emily for more stories about love and identity!

Dating Disability, Emily Goodson's debut book, invites readers into fifteen intimate stories from her life, exploring love, confidence, and what it means to embrace difference in a world that often asks us to hide it. It's available online and in bookstores today! 👉 https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/nonfiction/biographies-and-memoirs/general/dating-disability/

☀️ https://agapeescapes.com/ use ESCAPES150 for an early bird discount! ☀️

Be sure to use the promo code: roundtable50 to join Maria's community or submit your own dating question! 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/

✨ Don't forget to order Maria's book, follow us on social, and leave a review if you're feeling lovable and likable. 💕

🤩 Check out My Websites and Socials! 🙌

💖Podcast Website: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ 💖Agape Match Website: https://agapematch.com/ 💖Matchmaker Maria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria 💖Matchmaker Maria Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria 💖Agape Match Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ 💖Agame Match Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch 💖Agape Match Twitter: https://www.x.com/AgapeMatch

🙋‍♀️Our Producer Venetia AKA V Website - https://www.venetiageras.com/ Twitter - https://X.com/venetiaageras Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/venetiaageras/

🎥 by WTF Media Studios Website - https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

ABOUT THIS PODCAST 🔗 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!