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 rebu...

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 med...

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...

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 ...

Matchmaker Maria is joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Melissa Robinson Brown 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 Together, they unpack how flawed studies and outdated media narratives have fueled this idea while sharing what modern research actually tells us about love, marriage, and divorce.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 s...

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 sh...

This week on Ask a Matchmaker, Maria sits down with fellow Matchmaker Radha Patel 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 w...

On this episode of Ask a Matchmaker, Maria reflects on wrapping up her summer solo series and challenges listeners to reconnect with three people they haven't spoken to in a while. She dives into the male loneliness epidemic and the ways modern dating apps can fuel disconnection, expanding on ideas from her recently viral Substack article. Maria also shares insights from her time in Greece, where ...

This week on Ask A Matchmaker, Matchmaker Maria is joined by her sister and fellow matchmaker Chrisoula for a special anniversary episode recorded in Crete. Chrisoula shares the story of her 12-year marriage and what it takes to grow with a partner you met at 19. The sisters talk about communication, setting boundaries, and how generational trauma impacts conflict resolution. They reflect on growing up with unresolved fights at hom...

This week's Ask a Matchmaker Hotline has everything from dating app burnout to inspiring relationship updates. One caller, 40, tried a bold Hinge strategy but got no results, so Maria advises her to take a break from swiping and start meeting people IRL, even suggesting a Star Trek convention. Another caller, 41, struggles with being sexualized online despite having a thoughtful profile, and Maria gives her the ultimate solution: b...

This week on Ask a Matchmaker, Maria celebrates 5 powerful years of conversations that have redefined how we talk about dating, relationships, and emotional growth. To mark the anniversary, she's sharing five unforgettable episodes that showcase the heart and range of the show. Hear from Weezy WTF about sex, power, and dating after the pandemic in NYC. Go undercover with journalist Vera Papisova ...