Diary of a Matchmaker
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Diary of a Matchmaker episodes

  • Is Lowering the Gaze Still Relevant Today?

    Have you ever been told to “lower your gaze” and wondered what that’s supposed to look like in 2025 when the hardest place to lower it isn’t the street, but your screen? One innocent scroll can turn into a full-blown spiral before you even realize it.

    We’re talking about the subtle stuff: how comparison, curiosity, and constant exposure slowly shape what we find attractive, and how that ends up affecting real-life attraction, confidence, and even marriage expectations. Because it’s not just about modesty; it’s about protecting your focus in a world built to steal it. If you’ve ever felt torn between your values and the world you live in, this one will hit home.


    If something we said made you think, laugh, or feel seen, leave us a rating and review! It helps more people find the show. And hey, if you know someone who needs to hear this episode, send it their way. Sharing is caring!


    28 min
  • This Could Save Your Marriage Before It Starts w/ Hina Mirza


    Most couples obsess over the wedding details: venues, flowers, guest lists... but skip the one step that actually prepares you for marriage. We know because we skipped it too. And trust us, it’s a mistake we don't want you to make.

    Today we sit down with psychotherapist Hina Mirza to uncover why premarital counseling isn’t some boring checklist, it’s the ultimate hack for a smoother, happier marriage. Think of it as marriage prep you’ll actually enjoy: decoding communication, spotting blind spots, and setting up love to last. If you think you know what premarital counseling is, think again. This is the one thing EVERY couple needs before saying “I do.”

    Connect with Hina on Instagram at @hinamirza.


    If something we said made you think, laugh, or feel seen, leave us a rating and review! It helps more people find the show. And hey, if you know someone who needs to hear this episode, send it their way. Sharing is caring!


    1 hr 6 min
  • How Much To Share About Your Past?

    “Should I tell them about my past?” It’s the question that makes every single Muslim pause. And let’s be real, our communities don’t make it easier. Men often get a pass, while women get judged twice as hard for the same mistakes.

    In this episode, we confront the myths and double standards around sharing your past in marriage conversations. What must be disclosed, and what belongs between you and Allah? And how do you talk about sensitive topics without trauma dumping or oversharing? If you’ve ever feared your past would ruin your future, this episode flips the script and puts the focus back where it belongs: who you are today.


    If something we said made you think, laugh, or feel seen, leave us a rating and review! It helps more people find the show. And hey, if you know someone who needs to hear this episode, send it their way. Sharing is caring!


    45 min
  • What Men & Women Think About Each Other

    “Men only care about looks.” “Women only care about money.” Sound bites like these have turned the Muslim marriage search into a battle of stereotypes. But are men really afraid of commitment? Are women really desperate for it?

    In this episode, we call out the misconceptions that pit men and women against each other and dig into how they’re sabotaging real connections. We also ask tougher questions: does being “religious” automatically make someone a good spouse, or are we ignoring qualities like emotional maturity and communication?

    If you’re tired of shallow labels and gender wars, this conversation will challenge what you think you know about the opposite gender, and maybe even how you see yourself.

    If something we said made you think, laugh, or feel seen, leave us a rating and review! It helps more people find the show. And hey, if you know someone who needs to hear this episode, send it their way. Sharing is caring!


    43 min
  • Masculinity in Crisis: Between Toxic and Weak w/ Dr. Omar Husain

    Masculinity is either glorified or vilified, and single Muslims often pay the price. Women get told to avoid “dominant” men, while men are told to tone themselves down to avoid being toxic. The result? Confusion, frustration, and marriages built on false expectations.

    In this conversation with Dr. Omar Husain, we confront the uncomfortable truths about masculinity in Islam. Men are challenged to stop outsourcing their growth and step into real responsibility. Women are pushed to look beyond smooth talk and test whether a man’s character is already rooted in faith.

    If you think masculinity in Islam just means providing for the family, think again. This episode will make you question the assumptions shaping your search for marriage.

    If something we said made you think, laugh, or feel seen, leave us a rating and review! It helps more people find the show. And hey, if you know someone who needs to hear this episode, send it their way. Sharing is caring!


    1 hr 4 min
  • The Talking Stage: How Long Is Too Long?

    How long should the talking stage really last? For many Muslims, what starts as a way to assess compatibility drags on for months or even years with no real progress. In this episode we dive into the question every single faces: when does talking cross the line from intentional to wasted time? We explore why so many get stuck, the signs it has gone on too long, and how to know when it’s time to move forward or move on. If you’ve ever felt trapped in endless conversations with no clarity, this episode is your wake-up call.

    Check out thie short video on "Halal Dating".

    If something we said made you think, laugh, or feel seen, leave us a rating and review! It helps more people find the show. And hey, if you know someone who needs to hear this episode, send it their way. Sharing is caring!


    33 min
  • Awkward Talks: Childbirth Before Marriage w/ Hebaa Rizeq

    Childbirth talk when you’re single? Awkward. “Not for public discussion”? Maybe. “Only for women”? Definitely what most people think. But here’s the truth: understanding this journey before marriage could transform your future relationship. In this episode, we chat with certified doula Hebaa Rizeq about why pregnancy prep isn’t just a “married women’s issue.” From faith-meets-science insights to the overlooked role of men in birth, this conversation breaks taboos in the best way. If you’re single, curious, and maybe a little skeptical, this one’s for you.

    If something we said made you think, laugh, or feel seen, leave us a rating and review! It helps more people find the show. And hey, if you know someone who needs to hear this episode, send it their way. Sharing is caring!


    41 min
  • How Our Naivety Almost Killed Our Business

    This is the story of how our big idea for Muslim matchmaking nearly backfired. We set out to create the ultimate premium experience, convinced that generosity and effort would guarantee results. Instead, we discovered that the real obstacle wasn’t bad matches but unready hearts. What looked like dream opportunities often ended with hesitation, doubt, or a belief that something better might come along. In this episode, we share the mistakes that nearly sank us, the turning point that reshaped our approach, and the surprising truths about why readiness matters more than perfection. If you’ve ever wondered why good connections slip away, this one’s for you.

    If something we said made you think, laugh, or feel seen, leave us a rating and review! It helps more people find the show. And hey, if you know someone who needs to hear this episode, send it their way. Sharing is caring!


    29 min
  • The One Thing You Need Before Marriage Fights w/ Kamela Salimi

    Think conflict management is only for married couples? Wrong. If you’re single and hoping for a healthy marriage, now is the time to learn it. In this episode, psychotherapist Kamela Salimi shares why conflict is the top issue she sees in couples therapy and how singles can prepare before saying “I do.” We unpack Dr. John Gottman’s “Four Horsemen” and their antidotes, explore how Islam offers built-in tools for emotional regulation long before therapy named them, and reveal why "freedom from the self" is key to lasting love. So say bismillah and hit Download.


    Connect with Kamela:

    https://www.kamelasalimi.com/

    https://muslimwomenswellness.com/


    If something we said made you think, laugh, or feel seen, leave us a rating and review! It helps more people find the show. And hey, if you know someone who needs to hear this episode, send it their way. Sharing is caring!


    54 min
  • Where To Meet Single Muslims Beyond The Algorithm?

    If finding a spouse feels like shouting into the void, it might be a visibility problem, not a you problem. Today we unpack what it really means to be visible as a single Muslim. From offline spaces you might be overlooking to subtle shifts in your digital presence, we share practical ways to rethink where and how you show up. It's not about being everywhere, it's about being in the right places and being intentional. Whether you're feeling stuck or just getting started, this episode helps you build a smarter visibility strategy that reflects who you are and gets you noticed by the kind of person who matters.

    If something we said made you think, laugh, or feel seen, leave us a rating and review! It helps more people find the show. And hey, if you know someone who needs to hear this episode, send it their way. Sharing is caring!


    27 min

About Diary of a Matchmaker

From the publisher's feed

Getting married is tough for the vast majority of Muslims in the West. We know because we’ve been there. My (Zaid) journey spanned nearly nine years. It was filled with rejections and self-doubt.…