Ask a Matchmaker – Details, episodes & analysis

In 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!!

 

🤩    Check out My Websites and Socials!    🙃

💖Podcast Website: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/
💖Agape Match Website: https://agapematch.com/
💖Matchmaker Maria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria
💖Matchmaker Maria Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria
💖Agape Match Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/
💖Agame Match Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch
💖Agape Match Twitter: https://www.x.com/AgapeMatch

📚Maria has some big news—she's got a book coming out, 

🙋‍♀️Our Producer Venetia AKA V 
Website - https://www.venetiageras.com/
Twitter - https://X.com/venetiaageras
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/venetiaageras/

🎥 by WTF Media Studios
Website - https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

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

Matchmaker Maria hosts from Mexico! where she’s attending the 12th Annual Matchmakers Alliance Conference. Joining her is guest co-host Louis Felix, a seasoned matchmaker with over 20 years in the industry. Together, they reminisce about the early days of the conference and its mission to bring matchmakers together in a collaborative, supportive community—something Maria co-founded with fellow matchmakers Michelle Jacoby and Laurie Berzack.

Beyond the industry insights, Maria and Louis dive into the shifting landscape of dating in a politically charged era. With the recent election still fresh, they share candid thoughts on how political divides are affecting modern dating dynamics. Answering listener questions, Maria and Louis discuss strategies for navigating political differences on dates and whether single-issue voters are worth the effort. They wrap up the topic with perspectives within political affiliations, showing how even people with the same voting record can hold differing core values. This honest exchange opens the floor to listeners, reminding everyone to keep an open mind in both personal and political connections. 

They move on to another listener asking, if it’s wise to date a man who’s married but in the process of divorce. Maria and Louie offer straightforward advice: tread carefully. Maria shares her thoughts on dating separated individuals, explaining how important clarity is. If you’re seeking a long-term commitment, Maria advises against dating someone not fully divorced. Louie adds some humor by sharing a personal family anecdote, and the two wrap up with laughter, ready to enjoy the sunshine after a rain-soaked stay.

To close the episode, Maria reminds listeners about the Agave Match dating assessments with Louie, emphasizing the personalized approach that has helped countless clients find lasting love.

Make sure to subscribe and sign up for notifications for fantastic dating and relationship advice brought to you by Matchmaker Maria!

 

🤩    Check out My Websites and Socials!    🙃

💖Podcast Website: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/
💖Agape Match Website: https://agapematch.com/
💖Matchmaker Maria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria
💖Matchmaker Maria Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria
💖Agape Match Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/
💖Agame Match Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch
💖Agape Match Twitter: https://www.x.com/AgapeMatch

📚Maria has some big news—she's got a book coming out, 

🙋‍♀️Our Producer Venetia AKA V 
Website - https://www.venetiageras.com/
Twitter - https://X.com/venetiaageras
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/venetiaageras/

🎥 by WTF Media Studios
Website - https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

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

Join Matchmaker Maria in this engaging episode of the “Ask the Matchmaker Hotline,” recorded from the comfort of her home. Maria shares the whirlwind of her current life, from finalizing her book manuscript to preparing for an extended stay in Greece. Alongside special guest and fellow matchmaker, Louie Felix, they dive into the intricacies of dating assessments and the art of matchmaking.

Louie, the Chief Operating Officer at Agape Match, brings his extensive experience to the table, discussing the evolution and significance of dating assessment calls. The episode explores the impact of personalized advice on dating success, highlighting heartwarming stories of clients finding love soon after their assessments.

The conversation takes a deeper turn as Maria and Louis discuss the latest news from Japan about government-sponsored dating apps, reflecting on cultural differences and the challenges of modern dating. They also address common dating dilemmas, such as setting boundaries and navigating the pressures of societal expectations.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the world of matchmaking, the importance of clear communication in relationships, and practical tips for improving their dating profiles. Whether you’re single and searching or just curious about the matchmaking process, this episode offers a blend of personal anecdotes, professional advice, and thoughtful commentary on the evolving landscape of love and relationships.

Tune in for an episode filled with laughter, learning, and a touch of wanderlust as Maria prepares to bring the podcast to Greece, promising exciting future episodes from the picturesque backdrop of her summer retreat.

Want to book a sess with Louie? https://calendly.com/felix-louie and follow him on IG @louiefelix

*******Stay Connected!********

@matchmakermaria (Follow!)

@askamatchmaker (Follow the pod!)

Make sure to subscribe and sign up for notifications for fantastic dating and relationship advice brought to you by Maria Avgitidis!   🤩 Check out My Websites and Socials! 🙃   💖Podcast Website: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/   💖Agape Match Website: https://agapematch.com/   💖Matchmaker Maria TikTok: realmatchmakermaria   💖Matchmaker Maria Instagram: matchmakermaria   💖Agape Match Instagram: agapematch   💖Agame Match Facebook: AgapeMatch   💖Agape Match Twitter: AgapeMatch     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

Did you know there is actually a process to falling in love and staying in love? It’s called the LovePath, and Kimberly Beam Holmes has been teaching people this proprietary process for the past decade. 

This week, Kimberly reveals the four steps to falling in love and how individuals can use this process for better relationships in every area of their lives, including their marriage!

Kimberly Beam Holmes has applied her master’s degree in psychology for over 10 years, acting as the CEO of Marriage Helper & CEO and Host of her own podcast It Starts with Attraction, being a wife and mother herself, and researching the ways that attraction affects people personally and the relationships that they hold dear. Her videos, podcasts, and following reaches over 200,000 people a month who are making changes and becoming the best that they can be. She is currently working on her PhD in psychology. Kimberly lives in Franklin, Tennessee with her husband, Rob, and two beautiful children from India.

Find Marriage Helper on the web at https://marriagehelper.com 

Follow Marriage Helper on Instagram at  https://www.instagram.com/marriagehelper/

Follow Marriage Helper on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MarriageHelper/

Check Marriage Helper on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/c/MarriageHelper/

 Let's go to Tulum! Agape Intensive IRL registration is open! agapeescapes.com 

Join the next Online Dating Tech Support - Monday 5/16 at 12PM https://agapematch.wufoo.com/forms/z1s18kn10qpwm8f/ 

Follow Agape Match on Instagram at http://instagram.com/agapematch

Follow the podcast on Instagram at http://instagram.com/askamatchmaker 

 You’ve got questions. Maria has questions! The hotline is open and ready for your questions!Want to chat with Maria on an upcoming episode? Follow her on Insta to find out when the hotline will open next… http://instagram.com/matchmakermaria Things discussed in this episode include…

• Guys can be flaky on the apps about meeting up. How do I deal with it?
• I matched with a guy on an app in a different city. We’ve been talking online. Should I go and meet him?
• I’m 23. I want to date seriously. How do I go about doing that?

 

To register for the upcoming Agape Escapes event in Tulum, visit http://agapeescapes.com/

Follow Agape Match on Instagram at http://instagram.com/agapematch

Follow the podcast on Instagram at http://instagram.com/askamatchmaker 

This week, Maria is talking with The Love Doctor, Dr. Terri Orbuch.

Dr. Terri Orbuch (PhD) is a distinguished professor at Oakland University, research scientist at University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research, author, speaker, therapist, relationship & date coach, and The Love Doctor® in the media. Her practical science-based advice has helped thousands of people find and create the loving relationships they deserve. She is the director of a landmark study, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where she has been following the same couples for over 3 decades. She is widely published in scientific journals and the author of “5 Simple Steps to Take Your Marriage From Good to Great" and “FindingLove Again: 6 Simple Steps to a New and Happy Relationship.” Her latest book is called “Secrets to Surviving Your Children’s Love Relationships” and will be published, March 2022. Dr. Orbuch has been featured in such publications as, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Reader’s Digest, USA Today, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, and TIME magazine and has appeared on The Today Show, MSNBC, The Katie Couric Show, ESPN, HuffPost Live, and CNN. Her relationship segments are aired on Fox-2 Detroit News and her TEDx talk has over 2.8 million views. Also, her radio program called, “The Love Doctor is IN,” is aired on Fridays at noon ET on Empower Radio. For more information, please go to: DrTerriTheLoveDoctor.com.

Learn about Dr. Terri at DrTerriTheLoveDoctor.com

5 Simple Steps to Take Your Marriage From Good to Great 

Finding Love Again: 6 Simple Steps to a New and Happy Relationship

Dr. Terri’s TED talk: Is It Lust or Is It Love

Secrets to Surviving Your Children's Love Relationships 

Check out Dr. Terri’s radio show, The Love Doctor is IN 

To book a Dating Strategy call with a member of the Agape Match team to discuss your dating goals, click here: https://calendly.com/felix-louie/ie-info-30-minute-call  

Follow Agape Match on Instagram at http://instagram.com/agapematch

Follow the podcast on Instagram at http://instagram.com/askamatchmaker 

 This week, we’re opening up the hotline with some extra support to help with your questions!

Joining Maria this week to help you with your online dating problems is Agape Match’s Online Dating Manager, Erika Ettin. 

Topics and questions discussed this week include…

• How do you decide to go on another date with someone that you’re not totally into?
• What's the line between people not really communicating and me not wasting my time?
• It can be extremely dating to be extroverted with people that are not friends or family. It feels like I am bringing all the energy to the conversations and dates. 
• Should I still talk to other people when I’m going on dates with people? 
• An update on a previous caller who moved to another city! 
• Being empowered to communicate your communication needs.
• I keep finding men that just want something casual. How do I express what I’m really looking for?
• I’m suffering from app fatigue. It’s becoming too much to juggle between different apps. 
• I found out I can’t have kids. How do I tell the guy that I’m seeing?

Erika Ettin is an online dating expert and dating coach who helps people navigate the world of online dating. Her expertise includes profile creation, photo selection and photography, message writing, and date planning. She is also the author of the book Love at First Site: Tips & Tales for Online Dating Success from a Modern-Day Matchmaker and the co-host of the popular dating podcast “So, We Met Online…”

Find Erika on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ALittleNudge/ 

Our next Online Dating Tech Support is Monday May 9th at 12PM ET. To register, go to https://agapematch.wufoo.com/forms/z1s18kn10qpwm8f/

To book a Dating Strategy call with a member of the Agape Match team to discuss your dating goals, click here: https://calendly.com/felix-louie/ie-info-30-minute-call  

Follow Agape Match on Instagram at http://instagram.com/agapematch

Follow the podcast on Instagram at http://instagram.com/askamatchmaker 

 This week, Maria is getting real about body image and dating with Dr. Lindsay Kite!

Dr. Lindsay Kite is co-author of the book More Than a Body: Your Body Is an Instrument, Not an Ornament (2020, HarperCollins) and co-director of the nonprofit Beauty Redefined, alongside her identical twin sister Lexie Kite. Both received PhDs from the University of Utah in the study of female body image and have become leading experts in body image resilience and media literacy. Lindsay and Lexie help girls and women recognize and reject the harmful effects of objectification in their lives through their social media activism, online course, and regular speaking engagements for people of all ages. Lindsay lives in New York City.Visit Dr. Kite's website at https://www.morethanabody.org/ 

Pick up Dr. Kite's book, More Than a Body, at Amazon or wherever books are sold.

Follow Dr. Kite on Instagram at http://instagram.com/beauty_redefined 

If you’d like to receive a Dating Assessment with Agape Match’s Louie Felix, use the link to book a time/day that is most convenient for you. https://calendly.com/felix-louie/dating-assessment  

Follow Agape Match on Instagram at http://instagram.com/agapematch

Follow the podcast on Instagram at http://instagram.com/askamatchmaker 

This week, Maria is here to answer your questions on another edition of the Ask a Matchmaker Hotline! If you want to talk to Maria on an upcoming hotline episode, be sure to follow her on Instagram to know when the hotline will be open again. http://instagram.com/matchmakermaria 

On this week’s episode, Maria digs into…

• Can you go from being a friend with benefits with someone to dating them?
• My next date with him is at his house to watch sports and I’m not a sports fan. What should I do?
• How do you talk to a potential dating partner about their values?
• How am I supposed to take it when people take days to respond to messages on dating apps?
• The way he’s been communicating has changed. I’m so confused.
• I’m a single mom. What’s the balance between keeping dates fun and sharing about my life?

If you’d like to receive a Dating Assessment with Agape Match’s Louie Felix, use the link to book a time/day that is most convenient for you. https://calendly.com/felix-louie/dating-assessment  

Follow Agape Match on Instagram at http://instagram.com/agapematch

Follow the podcast on Instagram at http://instagram.com/askamatchmaker 

 This week, Maria is talking all about fertility with experts Leyla Bilali and Elizabeth Lipov! She asks many of the questions you might have had about the process, no matter where you are in your dating life. 

Leyla founded her fertility consulting & nursing services business, Fertility Together, to bridge the gap between clinic & patient, between fertility treatment & personalized care. She believes that a nurturing, knowledgeable partner can make all the difference in each individual's unique path to fertility - whether they’re just curious about where they stand & what their options are,  freezing their eggs or going all the way with IVF. Leyla provides personalization, continuity of care, proper education & endless encouragement. 

Elizabeth Lipov has worked as a healthcare tech status that services fertility patients across the country. She worked at a large fertility clinic in NYC for over four years as an IVF (in-vitro fertilization)  coordinator. She worked with couples, single women and oncology patients who were preserving their fertility prior to treatment start. 

Follow Leyla on Instagram http://instagram.com/fertilitytogether

Learn more about Leyla at http://fertilitytogether.com 

Follow Liza on Instagram at http://instagram.com/lizlip23 and http://instagram.com/thefoodiepiece

To learn when Maria will open up the next Ask a Matchmaker Hotline, follow her at http://instagram.com/matchmakermaria

Follow Agape Match on Instagram at http://instagram.com/agapematch

Follow the podcast on Instagram at http://instagram.com/askamatchmaker