Ask a Matchmaker

Maria Avgitidis

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!

  1. 9 HRS AGO

    How Jeffrey Epstein Impacted Modern Dating ft Ileana Justine

    Did millennial women grow up inside a system designed by powerful men? In this episode, Maria is joined by journalist Ileana Justine to unpack how mall culture, Victoria's Secret, JUICY sweatpants, low-rise jeans, and dress code "fingertip rules" shaped millennial body image, and how the Jeffrey Epstein era exposed who held the power behind those brands. They break down the male gaze vs. the female gaze, trad wife influencers, the "provider" debate in modern dating, GLP-1 skinny culture, and how shows like Grey's Anatomy changed women's dating standards. Plus, a listener asks how to date confidently after major surgery, weight changes, and visible scars. This is a deep dive into cultural conditioning, patriarchy, body image, and how it all affects who we choose to love.   ♥️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

    47 min
  2. FEB 24

    How to Have Hard Conversations Early in Dating ft. Colette Fehr

    Hard conversations in relationships, attachment styles, anxious vs avoidant dynamics, and emotional disconnection are at the center of this week's Ask A Matchmaker. Matchmaker Maria sits down with therapist and author Colette Fehr to explain why couples fight about small things like Duolingo, texting back, or Valentine's Day flowers when the real issue is feeling unheard or unimportant. They break down how to stop people pleasing, how to say "that hurt me" clearly, and why serious conversations should never happen over text. Colette shares tools from her book The Cost of Quiet, including her emotional Mad Libs method for speaking up without pushing your partner away. They also tackle anxious and avoidant attachment patterns and whether separate bedrooms, like Keke Palmer suggested, can actually work in a healthy relationship.   ♥️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

    33 min
  3. FEB 17

    Immigrant Parents vs Your Relationship ft Dr. Rosette Elghossain

    Dating across cultures, first-generation identity, and family pressure in relationships take center stage on this episode with Matchmaker Maria and licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Rosette Elghossain to unpack how immigrant upbringing, enmeshment, and early family dynamics shape adult dating choices. They dive into navigating parental expectations, setting emotional boundaries, dating outside your culture, and what to do when your family doesn't approve of your partner. You'll also hear practical advice on values-based dating, dealing with guilt, and how to advocate for your relationship without abandoning your roots. A must-listen for anyone balancing love, identity, and modern dating! Dr. Rosette Elghossain is a licensed clinical psychologist and first-generation Lebanese-American. In her private practice, she focuses on relational and trauma work to help people navigate cross-cultural dating challenges, family pressures, relationship patterns, and the journey to a fulfilling life on their own terms. Check her out👇 @drrosette on Instagram  https://www.drrosette.com for info about therapy Listeners can use discount code MARIA100 to download this personal values guide for free!   ☀️ 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!

    41 min
  4. FEB 10

    Can AI Replace Matchmakers?

    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!

    18 min
  5. FEB 3

    Can Long Distance Dating Work When You Don't Really Know him? ft Anna Roisman

    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!

    50 min
  6. JAN 27

    Are You in Perimenopause and Don't Know It Yet? ft Lauren Tetenbaum

    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!

    28 min
  7. JAN 20

    Divorce Is Not a Failure, It's a Transition ft Oona Metz

    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!

    41 min
  8. JAN 13

    The Truth About Ethical Non-Monogamy: Debunking Swinger Myths ft Victoria Joseph & Ryan Hicks

    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!

    46 min
4.8
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

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!

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