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!

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 rise online, her mix of accents, and how she built a relatable voice by telling the truth about culture, college, and identity. The episode explores family expectations, dating clarity, and finding confidence in your own timeline!

Be sure to follow Tega on all her platforms! 👉 @tegareacts

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 with AI instead of real people. They share why this worries them and what they think a real modern date night should look like if people want to reconnect offline. They also react to the Vogue UK article about women posting their partners less and why social media now makes people feel embarrassed to show their relationships. They explain how this trend affects dating, independence, and the pressure to look chill online. Finally, they talk about Zohran Mamdani's love story and why his simple coffee date proves there is still real hope for dating in NYC.

Nayeema Raza is a journalist, filmmaker, and podcast host whose work has appeared in The New York Times, New York Magazine, and at Tribeca Film Festival. Nayeema is also the creator and host of Smart Girl Dumb Questions, a show where she interviews big thinkers using simple, curious questions!

Follow Nayeema: Instagram: @nayeemaraza Podcast: Smart Girl Dumb Questions (available on all platforms)

☀️ 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!

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 everything" and what that means for dating, decision-making, and emotional attachment in 2025. They also dive into how kids and adults alike should be learning to "think with machines," not rely on them as a crutch. It's a fascinating, practical guide to navigating love, relationships, and identity in the age of AI.

Be sure to pick up Professor Vasant's book today! Thinking With Machines: The Brave New World of AI

Vasant Dhar, Ph.D. — NYU Stern Professor, AI Researcher, TEDx Speaker, and Host of the "Brave New World" podcast. His forthcoming book, "Thinking With Machines: The Brave New World of AI" releases on Nov. 18th!

☀️ 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!

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 life long before you meet someone. If you are ready to date with clarity, confidence, and intention, this episode will show you what secure love actually feels like!

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 ready to date with intention and confidence, this episode is your blueprint for finding genuine connection in a disconnected world!

Here's a script you can literally copy and paste into a text📲

"Hi friends! I'm hosting a potluck on [date]. Bring a dish you love and also bring one friend I don't know yet. Just let me know what you're bringing so we don't end up with ten pasta salads. Can't wait to see you!"

☀️ 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 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, funny, and deeply human conversation about rebirth, resilience, and redefining family.

☀️ 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!

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," why so many people lack basic media literacy, and what that means for who we trust and how we love. From online outrage to real-world consequences, this is a must-listen for anyone navigating love in a divided world.

check out Vera's substack 👉 https://verapapisova.substack.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 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!

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 growing up as the oldest of ten, learning to prioritize yourself after years of caretaking, breaking through embarrassment, and finding confidence (and community) as an adult beginner in love! Whether you're navigating your first real relationship or just learning to date with more intention, this heartfelt conversation will remind you that it's never too late to bloom 🌷 🎧

Follow Allora and grab her new book!

• https://www.alloradannon.com/book
• https://www.tiktok.com/@alloradannon
• https://www.instagram.com/alloradannon

☀️ 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!

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 patterns of stalking, harassment, and institutional inaction. The episode examines how systems and communities fail to respond when warnings are raised. Maria shares practical steps individuals and policymakers can take to improve safety and accountability. This episode calls for greater awareness, stronger protections, and meaningful policy change.

Letter to State Representatives:

Dear [Representative's Name],

I am writing to you as a constituent who is deeply concerned about the safety of women and families in our community. Recent tragedies in New Jersey, including the murders of Maria Notis, Isabella Salas, Dr. Lauren Semanchik, and Tyler Webb, highlight the urgent need for stronger protections against stalking, harassment, and domestic violence.

I am asking you to prioritize funding for domestic violence shelters, victim advocacy services, and mental health programs. I am asking you to ensure that reports of harassment and stalking are taken seriously and acted upon immediately.

No family should have to bury their child or loved one because boundaries were ignored, reports were dismissed, or resources were underfunded. Please take action now to protect your constituents.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

_________________________________________________________________________________

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!