Libsyn Directory

Wired to Connect: The Science of Love, Lust & Fidelity with Kinsey Institute Director Dr. Justin Garcia

Release Date: 05/12/2026

Is Gen Z Not Having Sex Because of the Economy? ft Kinsey Institute Executive Director Dr. Justin Garcia

Ask a Matchmaker

Why is Gen Z having less sex? Kinsey Institute Executive Director returns to discuss the new including why 50% of Gen Z respondents haven't had sex recently or ever, and why 34% of young men say porn completely satisfies their sexual desires. and Dr. Garcia also explore how money, living with your parents, and economic uncertainty affect sex lives, plus the importance of consent and sex education. Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors! Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists & mental health...

What the Latest Singles in America Study Says About Dating ft Kinsey Institute Executive Director Dr. Justin Garcia

Ask a Matchmaker

What does the latest reveal about how people are dating? joins to break down why 72% of singles are open to love but only 16% are actively looking, whether believing in love at first sight is changing the way people date, and why singles are choosing emotional safety and peace over passion. They also discuss when to talk about money and debt, why 70% of singles are open to prenups, how the economy is influencing the desire to have a partner, why politics remains a dating dealbreaker, and why Justin says you have to go on that second date. Support the podcast by supporting our...

He Likes Going to Strip Clubs. Should I Keep Dating Him?! ft Daniela Mora

Ask a Matchmaker

Stand-up comedian joins for a hotline episode!! The two first talk about Daniela's recently new relationship, starting out long-distance, and how she and her boyfriend first connected on Snapchat and sexted before dating. They get into what actually makes a green flag, why Daniela loves her boyfriend’s work ethic, and where strip clubs fit into the “red flag or not?” conversation. Plus, they answer a listener’s question about whether you should tell the person you’re dating that you’re also going on dates with other people. We said, NO but curious your takes!

Why Are People Having Fewer Kids? Is Modern Dating to Blame? ft Anna Louie Sussman

Ask a Matchmaker

Why are people having fewer children, and what does dating have to do with it? sits down with journalist and author , author of , to unpack dating apps, AI-generated dating criteria, social media outrage, the pressure to find a “perfect” partner, and why women and men may be looking for very different things in relationships. They also get into Korea's 4B movement, why online dating can create choice paralysis, and Anna’s advice for singles: stop treating dating like a marketplace and get genuinely interested in other humans!!

What I Wish Every Single Person Knew About Romance Scams

Ask a Matchmaker

kicks off Season 7 with a wild update: after being featured in the New York Times and making headlines in Greece, her matchmaking company, Agape Match, was impersonated by a scam center targeting single men on Telegram. She shares how the scammers stole photos of her real employees, created fake dating profiles, charged victims everything from $50 activation fees to $25,000, and even used AI generated women to make the scam look real. It's a scary story that you need to listen to so you can be sure you're not next!! Support the podcast by supporting our sponsor! Connect with quality...

The Angry Dad Theory: Is Your Dad Affecting Who You Date? ft Nadine Ahmed

Ask a Matchmaker

Matchmaker Maria sits down with licensed therapist to unpack the “angry dad theory,” how growing up with emotionally unavailable or angry parents can affect our relationships, and why learning to apologize to your kids can break the cycle.!Then, Maria and Nadine answer Hotline Questions from YOU! From listeners waiting three years for a proposal, whether you should stay friends with an ex who is dating someone you once worried about, and if you should be engaged before moving in together. They also get into destination weddings, financial compatibility, renting out your NYC apartment, and...

How Many Dates Does It Take to Know If You Like Someone?

Ask a Matchmaker

Matchmaker Maria and Louie Felix tackle dating after divorce, including how a single mom with two young kids can find a serious relationship and why the six-date rule can help. They also get into the ultimate couple fight: dirty dishes, different cleaning habits, and what those little conflicts can reveal before marriage. Plus, they break down what to do when someone’s actions don’t match their words and how much lifestyle compatibility really matters.

Why Your “Type” Could Be Keeping You Single ft Nina Kharoufeh

Ask a Matchmaker

, matchmaker, comedian, and former Match Me Abroad host, joins to talk about what really happened when Americans went to Morocco looking for love. It didn't end in finding a “trophy wife” like one man thought! They then discuss why daters are rejecting second dates over tiny things, and why height, weight, and other physical preferences can keep you from meeting someone great. They get into hotline questions, answering a listener whose friend is hiding a former sugar baby arrangement from her fiancé, and give advice to a woman dating while working in a male dominated industry. ...

Can Your Values Make or Break a Relationship? ft Suzy Welch

Ask a Matchmaker

joins to break down VALUES and what your core values can reveal about dating, compatibility, marriage, and the life you actually want. They get into why values (not personality) can make or break a relationship, the “divorce values” to watch for, why place and “belovedness” can be major dealbreakers, and whether couples really need to share the same top values. Also, Suzie shares what happened when her daughter and her fiance took the Values Bridge and discovered their top six values were exactly the same! Check out the code MATCHMAKER today and comment your top 5 in...

How Long Should a First Date Actually Be? ft Lauren Davis

Ask a Matchmaker

Comedian, joins for a fun conversation about red flags, marathon first dates, dating app lies, and why a 2 hr date might be better than spending 10hrs together! They discuss the best first date activities, from walking and museums to bowling, and answer a listener question about dating in Spain at 62. It's a fun episode you don't want to miss! Check out Lauren's travel themed digital show 👉 ♥️JOIN MARIA’S COMMUNITY + SUBMIT A QUESTION ❓ Ready to date with intention? 💌 Visit Maria’s website or submit your own dating question: 👉 ✈️ TRAVEL WITH...

More Episodes

Maria Avgitidis sits down with Justin Garcia, PhD of the Kinsey Institute to break down the science behind modern dating, ghosting, dating apps, attraction, AI in dating, hookup culture and relationships. Maria and Justin get into why over 70% of singles have fallen for someone they usually wouldn’t think they’d be attracted to and why Gen Z says they value authenticity yet nearly 50% of them are using AI in their dating lives. They discuss whether first-date chemistry is overrated, why ghosting may actually may come from fear of rejection and conflict, and the difference between social monogamy and sexual monogamy. Plus, Justin shares the Kinsey Institute’s research on emojis, sexting, hookup culture, pair bonding, and why “the grass is greener where you water it” may be the most important dating advice singles need right now!

📚Check out Justin's new book, The Intimate Animal, today!

Support the sponsors, support the show!

Ask A Matchmaker fans get 20% off Bleume liquid plant food with code MATCHMAKER at http://GrowBleume.com

Go to https://OmahaSteaks.com and use promo code MATCHMAKER at checkout for $35 off. Minimum purchase may
apply.

♥️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