Finding Your People: The Importance of Community in New Experiences
Release Date: 07/11/2024
Thanksgiving Hotline Gravy Grace & Getting Real w Sam Santos | Ask a Matchmaker Podcast w Matchmaker Maria
Ask a Matchmaker
Happy Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for this year? This week Maria is joined by special guest co-host for a heartfelt and hilarious Thanksgiving-themed hotline episode! Together, they tackle your burning relationship questions with Maria’s signature wisdom and Sam’s delightful humor, offering compassionate advice to help you navigate tricky situations during the holiday season! From creative ways to welcome your boyfriend’s mom for Thanksgiving to supporting friends through marital challenges, Maria and Sam dive deep into the complexities of love, family, and dating. They explore...
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Moving in & Money Parties with Sam Santos & Fiscal Femme | Ask a Matchmaker Podcast w Matchmaker Maria
Ask a Matchmaker
In this week’s episode, Matchmaker Maria is joined by co-host Sam Santos and returning guest Ashley Feinstein Gerstley, a financial expert known as the , to discuss the crucial topic of finances in relationships Sam shares her personal experience of moving in with her boyfriend—how they navigate shared expenses, their approach to financial planning, and what it’s like transitioning from her own space to his family home. Ashley provides insightful tips on how to discuss money with your partner, align financial goals, and ensure both partners feel secure in their contributions....
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Pina Coladas & Political Clashes: Finding Love in a Polarized World with Louie Felix | Ask a Matchmaker Podcast w Matchmaker Maria
Ask a Matchmaker
Matchmaker Maria hosts from Mexico! where she’s attending the 12th Annual Matchmakers Alliance Conference. Joining her is guest co-host Louis Felix, a seasoned matchmaker with over 20 years in the industry. Together, they reminisce about the early days of the conference and its mission to bring matchmakers together in a collaborative, supportive community—something Maria co-founded with fellow matchmakers Michelle Jacoby and Laurie Berzack. Beyond the industry insights, Maria and Louis dive into the shifting landscape of dating in a politically charged era. With the recent election still...
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Voting & Values: Navigating Relationships in a Politically Charged World | Ask a Matchmaker Podcast w Matchmaker Maria
Ask a Matchmaker
In this timely episode, Matchmaker Maria welcomes back co-host for a candid discussion on how politics shape our closest relationships and dating choices. EARLY EPISODE DROP ALERT! 🚨 🗳 As Election Day approaches, Matchmaker Maria and Sam delve into how political beliefs influence compatibility, friendships, and even the matchmaking process, bringing to light the personal stakes involved in voting and civic engagement. Drawing from her matchmaking experience, Maria highlights key issues—such as women’s healthcare—that have become major deal-breakers in dating. Sam, meanwhile,...
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Heartbreak to Healing: Rebuilding Trust with Samantha Santos | Ask a Matchmaker Podcast w Matchmaker Maria
Ask a Matchmaker
Trusting after heartbreak! In this episode of Ask a Matchmaker, host Maria invites comedian and podcast host to share her raw, heartfelt journey of rediscovering trust after a deeply painful betrayal. Together, they dive into Sam's shocking story of catching her ex-fiancé cheating and how that revelation shattered her perception of love and commitment. Maria and Samantha unpack the emotional toll of such heartbreak, shedding light on the struggles many people face when trying to trust again after being deceived. This episode isn’t just for singles; it's for anyone invested in improving...
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Healing Hearts: Dating Through Grief w Jenny Zigrino & Gina Moffa | Ask a Matchmaker Podcast w Matchmaker Maria
Ask a Matchmaker
We’re delving into a poignant topic that touches many hearts—dating after loss. They're joined by grief and trauma therapist, Gina Martha, who brings over 20 years of expertise in helping individuals navigate life transitions, including breakups, divorce, and the devastating impact of death. Today's discussion takes a more sensitive turn as they talk about the challenges of finding love after losing a loved one. Jenny, still navigating the loss of her sister, opens up about her personal struggles, asking Gina for advice on how to handle grief while trying to maintain connections with...
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Dating FOMO & Awkward Moments w Jenny Zigrino | Ask a Matchmaker Podcast w Matchmaker Maria
Ask a Matchmaker
New episode with and comedian ! Maria has some big news—she's got a , and the cover reveal is happening right on air! Check it out out on ! Maria and Jenny chat about the book, manifesting success, and the importance of preorders. Jenny’s been busy with her comedy tour, sharing funny stories from Alaska. The conversation shifts to Jenny’s online dating life, and Maria checks in on the changes Jenny made to her profiles after some advice. They explore what it means to be an “alpha” or “beta” in dating, poking fun at modern labels while celebrating the...
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Core Desires w Jenny Zigrino & Intimacy with Leandra | Ask a Matchmaker Podcast w Matchmaker Maria
Ask a Matchmaker
New episode with and comedian who have the amazing on! Jenny adds her signature humor, while Leandra offers expert guidance on s3x, intimacy, and relationships. Leandra explains her role as a somatic s3x and relationship coach, helping people and couples explore and improve their intimate connections without crossing physical boundaries. She shares her experience working with individuals on everything from building secure attachment to understanding physical touch. Leandra delves into the importance of identifying your "core desires" during s3x and how understanding them can...
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Update that Dating App ! w Jenny Zigrino | Ask a Matchmaker Podcast with Matchmaker Maria
Ask a Matchmaker
In this episode of Ask a Matchmaker, Matchmaker Maria teams up with comedian to talk all things dating apps and relationship deal breakers. They explore how to navigate the world of dating apps, why it's sometimes better to swap swipes for real-life experiences like pottery classes, and what it’s really like to date… a puppeteer. Next, Maria dives into Jenny’s Hinge profile, uncovering stunning photos but advising some key updates to her first few picks. From refreshing profile prompts to optimizing her photos, Maria is on a mission to help Jenny put her best foot forward. The...
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Surviving the Unthinkable: Lolita Jackson’s Journey Through 9/11
Ask a Matchmaker
Ask A Matchmaker is Coming Back! In this gripping and deeply emotional episode, Matchmaker Maria brings you the extraordinary story of Lolita Jackson, a woman who not only witnessed history but survived its darkest days. Lolita’s journey is not just one of survival; it’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the power of resilience, and the courage it takes to rebuild a life after unimaginable loss. Lolita Jackson was a high-achieving chemical engineer turned Wall Street professional, working at Dean Witter, which later merged with Morgan Stanley, in the World Trade...
info_outlineIn this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the “Ask a Matchmaker” podcast, Matchmaker Maria sits down with Amalia Kalogridakis, the newly appointed CEO of Agape Escapes, to delve into the profound impact of finding and connecting with like-minded individuals. Broadcasting from a cozy setting in Greece, they explore Amalia’s personal journey of navigating major life transitions, including her separation and divorce after a 14-year relationship, and how finding new purpose and hope through travel helped her reset and rediscover herself.
Amalia shares how her involvement with Agape Escapes, a travel company born from Maria’s match-making company, provided her with a supportive community that encouraged her to embrace new adventures. They discuss the importance of having a network that uplifts and empowers you, especially during times of change. Reflecting on their experiences with Agave Escapes, they highlight how these curated travel experiences have helped many women build lasting friendships and supportive networks.
The episode also offers a rich tapestry of stories and advice on the unique aspects of Greek culture, including the Greek work schedule, the cultural practice of siesta, and the vibrant pace of life that defines this beautiful country. Amalia, who has been living in Greece for over 17 years, provides insights on adapting to Greek culture, including the challenges and joys of adjusting to a new way of life. They discuss the recent changes in Greek labor laws, the concept of the six-day workweek, and how these shifts impact everyday life, as well as the dynamics of dating and relationships in Greece, where class systems and social circles play a significant role.
Additionally, this episode is packed with practical travel tips and cultural insights for anyone planning a trip to Greece. Amalia offers her insider knowledge on the best places to visit, how to blend in with the locals, and the must-try foods and activities, ensuring an enriching and authentic travel experience. Whether you’re traveling solo, looking to expand your social circle, or curious about embracing life the Greek way, this episode highlights the importance of community in enriching your life and provides valuable information to help you make the most of your Greek adventure.
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