Moving in & Money Parties with Sam Santos & Fiscal Femme | Ask a Matchmaker Podcast w Matchmaker Maria
Release Date: 11/19/2024
How to Go No Contact After a Breakup ft Allora Dannon
Ask a Matchmaker
In this Hotline episode, Matchmaker Maria is joined by author and late-bloomer expert Allora Dannon to deliver no-nonsense dating advice rooted in clarity, confidence, and tough love! They tackle real listener dilemmas, starting with a woman struggling to finally break up and whether going no contact is the only way to heal. They revisit an update from the woman who discovered her boyfriend on a dating app. Does she break it off with him, or are they still together? A gay man calls in after successfully using the 12-date rule and asks how to move from dating to exclusivity without getting...
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Dating Lessons We’re Taking Into 2026
Ask a Matchmaker
In this special year-end episode of Ask A Matchmaker, Matchmaker Maria looks back on the biggest dating lessons of 2025 and what they mean for intentional dating in 2026. Featuring standout guests like Vera Papisova, Joyelle Nicole Johnson, Weezy W.T.F, Jared Freid, Kaneez Surka, Erika Ettin, Tara Cannistraci, and more, Matchmaker Maria breaks down conversations on politics, polyamory, attachment styles, money, AI, and modern love. You’ll hear honest insights on dating boundaries, emotional compatibility, first dates, and how to build real connection. Plus, Maria answers listener questions...
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Are Phones the Third Person in Your Relationship? ft Randy Ginsberg
Ask a Matchmaker
What happens to connection when we put our phones away? Matchmaker Maria sits down with Randy Ginsberg, founder of , to unpack phubbing (phone snubbing), modern dating burnout, and why being truly present has become one of the most underrated relationship skills. Together, they explore how intentional, phone-free spaces create deeper conversations, stronger chemistry, and real opportunities for both romantic and platonic connection. This is not a singles event and it’s not networking. It’s an evening designed to help you unplug, talk like a human again, and experience what dating and...
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What Happens After Ending an Engagement? ft Caitlin Peluffo
Ask a Matchmaker
Comedian and writer returns to Ask a Matchmaker for an honest catch-up with matchmaker Maria after a major relationship shake-up. Caitlin opens up about calling off a long engagement, what it taught her about passion, independence, and settling, and why starting over in her 30s has been unexpectedly empowering! Together, they dive into dating while living alone, long-distance relationships, marriage timelines, and redefining partnership. The episode also tackles listener questions, including navigating city life versus farm life and whether staying friends with an ex-with-benefits ever really...
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Love Without Limits: Dating With a Disability ft. Emily Goodson
Ask a Matchmaker
This week, Maria talks with author and speaker about her new book 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...
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Your Family’s Dream Isn’t Your Dating Plan ft. Tega Orhorhoro
Ask a Matchmaker
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...
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The New Rules of Posting Your Partner Online ft. Nayeema Raza
Ask a Matchmaker
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...
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How Can You Fall In Love With Your AI Companion? ft Vasant Dhar, Ph.D
Ask a Matchmaker
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...
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Confusing Chemistry for Compatibility ft Rebecca Marcus
Ask a Matchmaker
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!
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We Were Never Meant to Date Alone
Ask a Matchmaker
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...
info_outlineIn 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 Fiscal Femme, 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.
Maria also dives into the rules of cohabitation, the importance of clear communication about future commitments, and the value of unlearning financial habits from childhood. From splitting bills equitably to deciding who buys the better-quality garden hose, this episode is packed with relatable stories and actionable advice.
Ashley dives into the concept of "money parties" — fun and productive budgeting sessions that remove stress and promote teamwork. She also emphasizes the importance of maintaining financial agency, such as having a "walk-away fund," and explains how to balance finances when incomes differ in a relationship.
Maria, Sam, and Ashley share personal stories about overcoming financial anxieties, turning past money trauma into positive action, and reframing financial planning as a collaborative, empowering process. Plus, Ashley offers actionable advice for managing budgets, avoiding resentment, and ensuring equality in financial decision-making.
Don’t miss Ashley’s tips, downloadable templates, and resources available on her site, along with her books The 30-Day Money Cleanse and Financial Adulting.
Follow Ashley on all social media @TheFiscalFemme and check out the links in the show notes. Be sure to also follow Sam at @MakeMeLaughSam for more fun updates! Plus, Maria reminds listeners to *preorder her upcoming book* (available in May) to continue unlocking better dating and relationship opportunities!
If this episode inspired you, rate, subscribe, and share it with a friend. It’s time to show your money some love!!
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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!
#matchmakermaria #askamatchmaker #datingadvice #datingprofilereview #podcast
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!
#matchmakermaria #askamatchmaker #datingadvice #datingprofilereview #podcast