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Ask a Matchmaker

Maria Avgitidis

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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 pat ...
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No outdated rules. Just honest, thoughtful advice to help you get what you're after in your dating life, and have fun along the way. Dating Intentionally will help you navigate modern dating with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Whether you're dating after a big break up, trying to avoid past mistakes, or just tired of swiping aimlessly, this show will guide you to make decisions that align with your values while actually enjoying the dating process. Hosted by Talia Koren, this show dives i ...
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In this bonus episode, I'm sharing my thoughts on the new movie, "Materialists." I'm breaking down what this film says about love, money, capitalism and dating for the long term, and what it got right about today's dating culture. If you haven't seen this movie yet, beware of spoilers! I'd love to hear your thoughts on this too, so drop your hot ta…
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In this episode, I’m diving into the magic of the real-life meet-cute (yes, it still happens)! You'll hear voice notes from listeners sharing stories about how they met people off the apps, plus my own reflections on building confidence to strike up conversations wth strangers, flirting in everyday situations, and saying yes to new experiences. At …
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On 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 poo…
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How do you open the conversation about polyamory with your partner, without blowing things up? On this week’s episode of Ask a Matchmaker, Matchmaker Maria is joined by co-host Joyelle Nicole Johnson and NYC-based relationship therapist and professor Melissa Fulgieri to explore the nuances of ethical non-monogamy. From setting ground rules to navig…
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Ever fallen for a friend? Struggled to balance dating and maintaining your closest connections? In this episode of Dating Intentionally, I’m joined by friendship expert and journalist Anna Goldfarb, author of Modern Friendship, to talk about the emotional intelligence it takes to navigate friendship, dating, and everything in between. We explore th…
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In this episode, I’m breaking down how to talk about the future in dating without putting pressure on the other person. Whether you’re in the early stages or navigating a new relationship, these conversations can feel tricky, but they don’t have to be. I’m sharing mindset shifts that help, scripts for each stage of dating, what actually creates pre…
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On this week’s Ask a Matchmaker, Matchmaker Maria sits down with the fearless and unfiltered Weezy WTF co-host of the Decisions Decisions podcast and co-author of the brand-new book No Holes Barred: A Dual Manifesto of Sexual Exploration and Power. From sugar baby adventures to navigating the emotional rollercoaster of dating in NYC, Weezy shares j…
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In this episode, I’m diving into the often messy, misunderstood world of casual dating. If you’ve ever wondered how to approach it without getting emotionally wrecked or unintentionally leading someone on this one’s for you. I’m breaking down how to date casually with clarity, from being upfront about your intentions to setting boundaries that prot…
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This week, Matchmaker Maria is joined by her hilarious and heartfelt co-host for the month, comedian Joyelle Nicole Johnson! They dive deep into what it really means to love someone, and how therapy, timelines, and choosing your own adventure can all be ways to say “I love you.” Joyelle shares the origin story of her relationship, from getting set …
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In this episode, I’m joined by Danny Goldstein, founder of the Austin-based matchmaking company Crux Compatible, to talk all things compatibility, chemistry, and intentional dating. Danny has a fascinating journey, from practicing law to running a matchmaking business rooted in a deep understanding of what actually makes two people a good fit. We d…
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This week, Maria is joined by her sister, Matchmaker Chrisoula! before we get into it, Maria's new book, Matchmaker Maria’s No-Nonsense Guide to Finding Love, is out! Go buy it! Now tune in for a special Hotline Episode of the podcast! The two take calls from listeners looking for real-time dating advice, from situationships to second date confusio…
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In this episode, I’m diving into why we keep getting drawn to the same types of partners, even when those relationships don't work out or we keep getting hurt. I’ll break down the psychology behind attraction, how our early experiences and attachment styles play a huge role, and why it’s so damn hard to break those familiar patterns. I’m also shari…
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According to Matchmaker Maria, you're not as picky as you think. In this episode, Maria Avgitidis (@matchmakermaria) is back on the pod to talk all things dating, relationships, and her brand-new book, Ask A Matchmaker. We get into the nitty-gritty of what it really takes to find (and keep) the right person. We also dive deep into the power of writ…
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In Matchmaker Maria’s No-Nonsense Guide to Finding Love, celebrity matchmaker Maria Avgitidis blends heartfelt storytelling with decades of experience to offer a refreshingly honest guide to modern dating. Written as a “prescriptive memoir,” this isn’t just a dating manual it’s a candid, deeply personal conversation over coffee with a trusted frien…
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In this episode, you’ll learn how to navigating the milestones you’ll hit in a new relationship. All of these “firsts” can be both exciting and nerve-wracking! From the first sleepover to meeting each other's friends and family, these "firsts" often come with their own set of challenges and considerations. I want you to approach these significant m…
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In this episode, I’m sitting down with Britt Frank to dig into the messy, complicated world of the inner critics, especially how it shows up in dating. We talk about recognizing the nature of our inner dialogue and why it’s so important to validate our feelings instead of brushing them off. Throughout our conversation, we explore how to move from l…
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Matchmaker Maria is just one week away from the release of her new book Ask a Matchmaker, and she's calling on all her listeners to support it! Whether you're a page-turner or an audiobook addict, now's the time to preorder and get ready to transform your dating life. Then it’s time to open the hotline! Maria is joined by her sister and fellow matc…
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In this episode of Dating Intentionally, I’m talking about the very real and very common experience of rushing a connection in dating. You’ll hear the signs to look out for, like constant texting, premature intimacy, or talking about the future way too soon. While some of this can feel exciting, I explain why it’s often a red flag, not just enthusi…
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In this episode, we’re getting into why we’re so often drawn to the wrong people and what it takes to break out of those old attraction patterns for good. If you’ve ever found yourself chasing a certain vibe or dynamic in dating (even when it never really works out), this conversation is going to hit. I’m joined by Louise Rumball, host of the Heali…
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This week on Ask a Matchmaker, Matchmaker Maria is joined by a fellow matchmaker, her sister and May's cohost, Chrisoula! The two are diving into the matchmaking world! What it takes, how it works, and why it’s not all candlelit dinners and perfect matches. From surprising client obstacles to touching success stories, Maria and Chrisoula pull back …
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In this episode, you'll learn all about "the shift" which is what you experience when someone goes from super enthusiastic about you, to suddenly pulling away, sometimes out of nowhere. It's confusing, disheartening and all too common. Listen to learn why this happens, what you can do about it and my take on whether or not you can stop it before it…
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In this episode, we’re talking about what it’s like to date with ADHD and how ADHD can show up in dating and relationships in ways you might not expect. Whether you have ADHD or you’re dating someone who does (or might), this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. I’m joined by Christal Wang, founder of Shimmer Care and one of…
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This week on Ask a Matchmaker, Maria is joined by the wildly entertaining Jesse, who brings her playful energy and real talk to your biggest dating dilemmas! 💌 First up, Brianna is overthinking a recent date with a man she felt went too well. Maria breaks it down with practical advice about pacing new relationships and managing expectations. 💥 Then…
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This episode originally aired 12/22/23! Is it love bombing or healthy enthusiasm? In this episode, I break down how to distinguish between genuine interest and manipulative intensity. We’ll cover clear signs of love bombing, why people do it, and what to do if you find yourself in a relationship with a love bomber. Plus, you’ll hear real stories fr…
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In this episode, you'll learn why so many dating app profiles start to look and sound the same and what that means on a deeper level (It's deeper than you think). I’m joined by Dr. Jennie Young, a writer, English professor, and creator of Burned Haystack Dating Method. BHDM is a framework for understanding the patterns and formulas people use in th…
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This week, Matchmaker Maria is joined by the insightful and hilarious Jessie to break down what's happening in the wild world of dating right now. From the rise of kittenfishing—yes, that sneaky cousin of catfishing where people add just a little too much sparkle to their online personas to the U.S. government literally banning romantic relationshi…
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In this episode, I'm breaking down the three C's of being good at dating: character, curiosity, and confidence. I'll share how each one plays into being a great date, and why that matters in the first place. Even though we're dating to ultimately stop dating, your skills in this area will 100% affect your outcome. This episode will guide you throug…
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In this episode, I'm diving into five dating dilemmas from listeners! If you want to submit a longer question for me to answer on the podcast or YouTube, here's the link. Tune in to hear my advice on these dating and relationship issues: I got my dream job in another country. How should I approach dating? How do I bounce back from dating burnout wh…
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This is part 2 of a powerful two-part episode of Ask a Matchmaker. This week, Matchmaker Maria sits down with journalist Vera Papisova, who went undercover on conservative dating apps during the 2024 election cycle. Her goal? To investigate the rise of red pill culture, Christian nationalism, and the growing appeal of traditional gender roles among…
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In this episode, we're getting into what standards in dating are (and what they're not) and how to tell if your standards are too high or too low. I get into the dangers of each and how to adjust your standards no matter which category you fall into. Are your standards holding you back? Hint: Too-high standards are a form of self-sabotage, and too-…
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In this episode, I talk to Clare Cui from @bethathealinggirl about anxious attachment, intellectualizing emotions, and other ways we hold ourselves back in dating and relationships. We talk about the deep conditioning that drives us to seek control through logic, how we end up triggering ourselves without realizing it, and the confusion between int…
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What happens when modern dating meets far-right ideology? This week, Matchmaker Maria sits down with journalist and award-winning editor Vera Papisova, who went undercover on conservative dating apps during the 2024 election cycle. Her mission? To understand the rise of red pill culture, Christian nationalism, and the growing appeal of traditional …
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In this episode, I'm deep-diving into ten relationship green flags that aren't talked about enough, how to spot them, and their red flag counterparts. You deserve a partner who has the basic green flags we always talk about like consistency, respect, listening, effort etc. But today, we're going deeper into what it looks like to have a truly suppor…
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In this episode, Ali Jackson of Finding Mr. Height (one of my favorite dating podcasts) is back on the pod to talk about how she met her current boyfriend just days after we recorded our first episode together in 2024. Ali gets into meeting her boyfriend in person, managing anxiety while getting into a new relationship, how she knew she wanted to c…
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This week, Matchmaker Maria is joined by comedian Jessie Lee, known for her hilarious character comedy and spot-on impressions of emotionally unavailable men. Jessie shares why she’s taking a break from dating—after one too many weird encounters, including a post-hookup serenade from a naked guy with a guitar (yes, really). Maria and Jessie also di…
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In this episode, you'll learn some of the main reasons why you might keep falling for people who aren't the right match for you, like feeling drawn to what's familiar or being stuck in the anxious/avoidant cycle. Awareness of your patterns is the first step to breaking out of them! This episode also breaks down steps to catching yourself before you…
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In this episode, my guest, Michelle Lentz, breaks down the key attributes to look for in a long-term partner to have a successful relationship (and marriage, if that's what you're looking for). Michelle's marriage is going on 38 years! She has an Instagram account and book (Hey Beginner Wife) dedicated to the ins and outs of not just making a marri…
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This week, Matchmaker Maria is back with her March cohost, comedian Kaneez, for a special live hotline episode! 📞💘 They're taking real-time calls from listeners looking for love advice, covering everything from dating while on weight-loss medication to when to disclose a vasectomy and how to navigate romance when you’re constantly on the move. Mari…
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If you've ever felt like you're doing everything right in your dating life, but feel like nothing is working, this episode is for you. First, I get into a handful of mindset shifts to help you feel less stuck and down about where you are in your dating life today, and then I get into different approaches you can take to get unstuck. You'll walk awa…
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Attachment coach and author Chris Rackliffe returns to the podcast to discuss his new book, Needy No More: The Journey from Anxious to Secure Attachment. In this insightful conversation, Chris breaks down the six origins of anxious attachment, the connection between attachment and addiction, and how trauma influences our relationships. Plus, cohost…
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In this episode, I'm diving into four dating dilemmas from listeners! If you want to submit a longer question for me to answer on the podcast or YouTube, here's the link. Here are the questions I get into on this episode: "He ghosted me but watches my stories daily - can I salvage this?" "I don't mind pursuing men, but they don't take me seriously.…
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Get 90+ questions to ask in early dating Do you ever struggle with what to talk about on a date? Or maybe you want to get better at building real connections? In this episode, I’m sharing tons of inspiration for great questions to ask in early dating, the worst ones to avoid, and navigating tricky conversations without derailing the date. We’ll als…
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My brother Alex Koren is back on the podcast to share dating advice for folks looking for a long term relationship! Alex is a 30-year-old guy from NYC with his take on dating, relationships, and figuring out who’s the one. In this episode, we break down how to separate needs vs. wants, what past relationships can teach you, and how to tell if someo…
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In this week’s episode of Ask a Matchmaker, Maria and her March co-host Kaneez dive into some wild and thought-provoking headlines that are shaking up conversations about love and relationships. Maria kicks things off with a jaw-dropping New York Times article about a Chinese company pressuring employees to marry and start families by September 30t…
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This episode originally aired in October 2022! Situationships are messy, undefined, and often leave you feeling stuck. In this episode, I break down what a situationship really is, how to tell if you're in one, and why they rarely lead to the kind of relationship you want. I’ll share how to get out of a situationship, whether you're the one who wan…
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This week, I’m joined by Natalie Kennedy, founder of Anxious Love Coach, to talk about her experience with relationship anxiety and Relationship OCD (ROCD). We get into what it looked like in her relationship, the steps she took to work through it, and what “working on yourself” actually means, both in and out of a relationship. We also dive into o…
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This March, Matchmaker Maria is joined by comedian Kaneez Surka as her cohost! Kaneez, originally from South Africa and having lived in India, opens up about her journey through marriage, divorce, and self-discovery. She shares how realizing she and her ex-husband were too young and had different values led to their split — and how reading Calling …
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In this episode, I'm breaking down what emotional availability is, why it's important, how it relates to attachment style and signs your date isn't emotionally available. I share tips on how to navigate this and when it's a dealbreaker vs not. At the end, I get into signs you might be the emotionally unavailable one and steps to take toward becomin…
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In this episode, Casey Tanner, founder of Queer Sex Therapy and The Expansive Group, shares their journey, from navigating insecurities as someone newly exploring queer dating to meeting their current partner. We dive into dating IRL as a queer person, long-distance relationships, and what to do if you're intimidated by dating women. Casey also bre…
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It’s hotline time! In this episode of Ask A Matchmaker, Maria and Erika take live calls and dive into your dating dilemmas. One caller wonders if she should disclose her ADHD to new dates — is honesty the best policy, or should she wait? Another caller grapples with dating in today’s political climate: she prefers liberals, but should she open her …
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