Surviving the Unthinkable: Lolita Jackson’s Journey Through 9/11
Release Date: 09/10/2024
Dating Trends of 2025 with Erika Ettin | Ask a Matchmaker Podcast with Matchmaker Maria
Ask a Matchmaker
This week on Ask a Matchmaker, is joined by , a renowned dating coach who specializes in navigating the world of online dating. Together, they break down essential advice for making meaningful connections in 2025. Erika shares creative tips on rethinking your dating profile title—why calling yourself an "RN" or "hospitality professional" might spark more interest than the traditional job title approach. They also dive into the emerging trend of value-driven dating. But what does "values" actually mean in dating, and how does it stack up against chemistry? Erika and Maria explain why both...
info_outline
No More Situationships with Tara Jokes | Ask a Matchmaker Podcast w Matchmaker Maria
Ask a Matchmaker
It’s a bittersweet episode as is joined one last time by her favorite guest co-host, comedian ! Together, they dive into one of Maria’s signature hotline episodes, packed with laughs, wisdom, and a little tough love❤️ This week, Maria and Tara tackle a Matchmaker Mail 💌 from someone struggling to voice her wants in a relationship. How do you express your needs without fear of coming across as too demanding—or worse, scaring someone off? Maria and Tara break it down step-by-step, offering practical tips on how to communicate clearly and confidently. “It’s not about being...
info_outline
Freeze For Your Future w Monica Matta & Tara Jokes | Ask a Matchmaker pod w Matchmaker Maria
Ask a Matchmaker
This week, Matchmaker Maria and comedian Tara Cannistraci , , are joined by special guest Monica, a founder of , a concierge service helping women navigate fertility options abroad In this heartfelt episode, Tara shares her personal story of freezing her eggs at 33—a decision she made during a time of uncertainty about wanting kids and focusing on dating. Monica sheds light on why more women are turning to international fertility treatments and how Conceivable Reproductive is empowering them to take control of their reproductive journeys. From navigating modern dating to making big...
info_outline
Marathon Dates vs. Coffee Dates w Ricky Liorti & Tara Cannistraci | Ask a Matchmaker Podcast Matchmaker Maria
Ask a Matchmaker
This week, Matchmaker Maria and comedian , AKA Tara Jokes are joined by , the man behind the viral "boyfriend application" that took the internet by storm! Despite receiving thousands of DMs from potential matches, Ricky never went on a single date—but now he’s here to talk all things dating in 2025. In this episode, Ricky shares his love for marathon first dates, insisting they should be extravagant, unforgettable, and last 7–8 hours. Matchmaker Maria fiercely disagrees, advocating for short and simple coffee dates (no more than 2 hours!) as the perfect way to build a...
info_outline
Year of Yes with Tara Cannistraci AKA TaraJokes | Ask a Matchmaker Podcast Matchmaker Maria
Ask a Matchmaker
Kick off 2025 with as she sits down with comedian , host of the Coffee Talk podcast, for an inspiring conversation about love, dating, and embracing new opportunities. Tara shares her journey of singlehood, celebrating her Bronx roots, and finding love in her late 30s during her transformative "Year of Yes." Maria and Tara explore the ups and downs of dating, the importance of shared cultural values, and how changing your mindset can lead to meaningful relationships. They also open up about stepping outside their comfort zones in dating and the unexpected paths that led them to love. This...
info_outline
How To Be Dateable Julie Krafchick and Yue Xu | Ask a Matchmaker Podcast Matchmaker Maria
Ask a Matchmaker
Happy New Year! On this special episode of Ask a Matchmaker, Matchmaker Maria is joined by the dynamic duo behind the , and ! They're here to talk about their brand-new book, , and officially hitting shelves on January 28th 🎉 In this fun and insightful conversation, Maria dives into the origins of Julie and Yue’s decade-long podcasting journey, their mission to uncover the mysteries of modern dating, and what makes someone truly dateable. The authors share personal stories, defining moments in their friendship, and their thoughtful definition of what it means to show up...
info_outline
Christmas Calls w Edson Montenegro & Chris Welles | Ask a Matchmaker Pod Matchmaker Maria
Ask a Matchmaker
Happy Holidays!! Matchmaker Maria is joined by returning co-host ,and special guest for a festive and heartfelt Christmas Eve hotline episode! The trio spreads holiday cheer with hilarious banter about relationships, family traditions, and even personal Santa sightings! While the holiday spirit is in full swing, the episode dives into some of the more serious listener dilemmas, including how to handle a surprising number of questions about divorce—whether it’s processing your own, supporting a friend, or navigating awkward announcements at networking events. From debating if Die...
info_outline
Non-Binary & Pronouns 101 w Edson Montenegro & Chris Welles | Ask a Matchmaker Pod Matchmaker Maria
Ask a Matchmaker
Let's 👏 learn👏 This week, Maria is joined by comedian and guest co-host , who brought along their best friend, . Both Edson and Chris are non-binary, gay individuals who use they/them pronouns, and they’re here to share their personal experiences, perspectives, and humor on what it means to exist outside the gender binary. From lighthearted anecdotes about childhood moments to navigating conversations around pronouns, Maria asks the questions we all want to better understand. Edson and Chris break down the fluidity of gender identity, discuss finding authenticity, and explore how...
info_outline
How To Make a Friend w Aaron Karo & Edson Montenegro | Ask a Matchmaker Pod Matchmaker Maria
Ask a Matchmaker
Matchmaker Maria is joined by her cohost Edson and special guest Aaron Karo to explore the fascinating world of friendships—what they mean, how they evolve, and why they matter. Aaron shares the story of his viral college newsletter Ruminations, how it shaped his early career, and how he and Maria turned a parasocial connection into a real-life friendship. They also dive into Aaron's annual "Man of the Year" tradition with his childhood friends, which has kept their bond strong for decades. The conversation takes a deeper turn as they discuss the "friendship recession," a...
info_outline
What's an Open Relationship? w Edson Montenegro | Ask a Matchmaker Pod Matchmaker Maria
Ask a Matchmaker
It’s a special episode as Matchmaker Maria celebrates her milestone 40th birthday with this month's new co-host, comedian Edson! Between birthday hats, balloons, and confetti-free festivities, Maria and Edson dive into a lively conversation about love, connection, and the dynamics of open relationships. Edson shares his personal journey of being in an open relationship with his long-term partner, discussing how they set boundaries, explore new experiences, and maintain trust while navigating both emotional and physical connections. Along the way, Maria provides her signature...
info_outlineAsk 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 Center’s South Tower. In this special rebroadcast, Lolita recounts her harrowing experiences on two of the most pivotal days in modern history: the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Through her vivid storytelling, Lolita takes us back to the moments when the unthinkable happened—not once, but twice—and how she navigated through chaos, fear, and the physical and emotional challenges of escaping from a crumbling tower.
Lolita shares intimate details of what it was like to be at the heart of these tragedies, from the eerie silence that followed the first explosion in 1993 to the shockwaves that rocked her building on 9/11. You’ll hear about the crucial decisions she made in seconds that ultimately saved her life, including the split-second choices to take different stairwells, her near-misses with falling elevators, and the intense willpower it took to remain calm amidst panic and devastation.
As Lolita reflects on her survival, she delves into the profound impact these events had on her life. She opens up about the PTSD that followed, the struggle to find a sense of normalcy, and the often-overlooked experiences of the survivors who walked away from the towers that day. Lolita also discusses the incredible support systems she leaned on, the community of fellow survivors, and the personal growth that emerged from her trauma.
But this episode is not just about recounting the past. It’s about Lolita’s inspiring decision to pivot her life towards joy and fulfillment, redefining her own success on her terms. After leaving Wall Street, Lolita found new ways to make a difference, dedicating herself to causes that align with her values and bring her peace. Her story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of overwhelming darkness, we have the choice to choose happiness, to find purpose, and to rebuild.
Join Matchmaker Maria for this unforgettable episode that explores themes of resilience, the power of choice, and the relentless pursuit of happiness after the unthinkable. Lolita Jackson’s journey through 9/11 is not just a story of survival; it’s an inspiring blueprint for how to live boldly, authentically, and with unwavering hope in the face of life’s greatest challenges. Whether you’ve experienced personal loss, trauma, or are simply seeking a reminder of the strength of the human spirit, this episode will leave you moved, inspired, and ready to face your own battles with renewed courage.
Listen now to “Surviving the Unthinkable: Lolita Jackson’s Journey Through 9/11” and discover how one woman’s story of survival can inspire us all to find light, even in the darkest of times.
*******Stay Connected!********
@matchmakermaria (Follow!)
@askamatchmaker (Follow the pod!)