Single at 40: How to Date Smarter, Not Harder! with Joyelle Nicole Johnson | Ask a Matchmaker Podcast with Matchmaker Maria
Release Date: 06/24/2025
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
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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...
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I’m Having a Baby Without a Partner ft Jenny Zigrino
Ask a Matchmaker
Comedian and writer Jenny Zigrino returns to Ask a Matchmaker to talk with Maria about grief, growth, and her decision to have a baby without a partner. Jenny opens up about freezing her eggs, navigating identity changes after weight loss, and finding humor in the hardest parts of life. They discuss her one-woman show Afterbirth and how loss inspired her to rebuild on her own terms. It’s an honest, funny, and deeply human conversation about rebirth, resilience, and redefining family. ☀️ use ESCAPES150 for an early bird discount! ☀️ Be sure to use the promo code:...
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Dated the Far Right. They Didn't Believe Her ft. Vera Papisova
Ask a Matchmaker
Award-winning journalist Vera Papisova returns to Ask a Matchmaker to continue the conversation about her viral undercover investigation, dating men on the far right in New York City. In this episode, Maria and Vera unpack how politics, media, and morality are shaping modern dating culture and the values we bring to relationships. They explore how misinformation spreads through “independent media,” why so many people lack basic media literacy, and what that means for who we trust and how we love. From online outrage to real-world consequences, this is a must-listen for anyone navigating...
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How to Start Dating When You Never Have ! with Allora Dannon
Ask a Matchmaker
At 32, writer and self-proclaimed late bloomer Allora Dannon had never been kissed, never been asked out, and had never been on a date. Then one cuffing season changed everything 💛 This week on Ask a Matchmaker, Matchmaker Maria sits down with Allora, author of the new memoir Who Is She: A Late Bloomer’s Survival Guide, to unpack what it means to start dating later in life. They talk about growing up as the oldest of ten, learning to prioritize yourself after years of caretaking, breaking through embarrassment, and finding confidence (and community) as an adult beginner in love! Whether...
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When No Means Nothing
Ask a Matchmaker
In dating, rejection is part of the process, but when ‘no’ isn’t acknowledged, it can lead to heartbreak, harm, and even tragedy. In this solo episode, Matchmaker Maria addresses two recent cases in New Jersey that underscore the real-world consequences of ignoring boundaries and consent. She outlines the stories of Maria Notis, Isabella Salas, Dr. Lauren Semanchik, and Tyler Webb to highlight patterns of stalking, harassment, and institutional inaction. The episode examines how systems and communities fail to respond when warnings are raised. Maria shares practical steps individuals and...
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Does Success Hurt Your Dating Life? Off with Dr. Mel | Ask a Matchmaker Podcast with Matchmaker Maria
Ask a Matchmaker
Matchmaker Maria is joined by clinical psychologist to tackle the myth that women are “too successful” to find love. Together, they unpack how flawed studies and outdated media narratives have fueled this idea while sharing what modern research actually tells us about love, marriage, and divorce. Dr. Mel also opens up about how our parents influence who we choose as partners and why it’s crucial to find someone who can walk with us through life’s hardest moments. The conversation highlights how success can strengthen relationships, why financial stability matters, and how to...
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Gen Z Divide on Marriage Children and the Meaning of Success with Rachel Janfaza | Ask a Matchmaker Podcast with Matchmaker Maria
Ask a Matchmaker
This week Matchmaker Maria is joined by Rachel Janfaza, founder of The Up and Up, to explore the growing divide between Gen Z men and women. They discuss how social media, algorithms, and traditional expectations shape attitudes toward marriage, children, and career success. The conversation also dives into the impact of the #MeToo movement, gender dynamics, and the pressures young adults face in dating and relationships. Rachel shares insights from her research and writing on Gen Z, including her theory of The Two Gen Zs and what young people really want from connection and conversation....
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The Truth Behind Indian Matchmaking with Matchmaker Radha Patel | Ask a Matchmaker Podcast with Matchmaker Maria
Ask a Matchmaker
This week on Ask a Matchmaker, Maria sits down with fellow to explore the world of South Asian matchmaking. They dive into how cultural traditions, family expectations, and modern dating values intersect for singles from Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, and West Indian backgrounds. Radha shares how her work balances heritage with today’s dating challenges, from navigating parental involvement to helping clients define compatibility beyond caste or astrology. Together, Maria and Radha unpack what makes South Asian love unique while also tackling listener questions about sparks,...
info_outlineOn this week’s episode of Ask a Matchmaker, Matchmaker Maria is joined by co-host Joyelle Nicole Johnson are on a hotline ep, answering your toughest dating dilemmas. First, a 42-year-old single woman from Jersey City is looking for love, but struggles to find men who match her lifestyle and ambition. Maria offers advice on expanding her dating pool beyond NYC, embracing men with kids, and not letting success limit her options. Next, a listener shares a CRINGE-worthy story about dating a man with shockingly poor hygiene, think no soap and dirty forks! Maria urges her to walk away fast and explains why basic cleanliness is non-negotiable in a partner. Finally, a woman is hung up on a situationship that ended years ago, still grieving the guy who moved on and started a family with someone else. Maria and Joyelle unpack why closure can be so hard, and how to move forward when love feels out of reach. Whether you're dating after 40 or trying to let go of the past, this episode is full of honest, no-nonsense advice you won’t want to miss!
✨ Don’t forget to order Maria’s book, follow us on social, and leave a review if you’re feeling lovable and likable. 💕
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🎥 by WTF Media Studios
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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!
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