Ask a Matchmaker

Tradwives, the manosphere, and the rise of traditional gender roles: who's really benefiting from all this content? Matchmaker Maria is joined by award-winning writer and author Stefanie O'Connell to unpack how tradwife influencers are making money by selling women's submission as empowerment, while manosphere creators are fueling insecurity among men. They also get into why ambitious women face backlash in relationships, how social media algorithms profit from misogyny, and whether the 2026 election signals a shift in what men and women want from each other. Check out Stefanie O'Connell's article for more on 👉 Tradwives Failed to Recruit Women, But They Helped Radicalize Men   Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors! Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/matchmaker #rulapod #sponsored

Matchmaker Maria is joined for a solo hotline episode with YOU! She's calling out the dating habits that are keeping singles from finding love, from expecting a first date to look like their future spouse to letting AI create an unrealistic dating fantasy. Then, she answers your hotline questions about when to tell someone you're divorced, whether to give a man who's still married a second chance after discovering his views on traditional gender roles, and whether three out of five compatibility pillars are enough for a lasting relationship. Plus, Maria gives listeners a challenge: say yes to five things that you may have hesitated in saying yes to in the next 4 weeks!   Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors! Get 25% Off Cowboy Colostrum with code MATCHMAKER at https://cowboycolostrum.com/matchmaker

When is it time to break up, and why is walking away from a relationship so hard? Matchmaker Maria sits down with Lindsay Crouse, author of The Case for Quitting, to talk about the sunk cost fallacy in dating, why we stay in relationships that aren't working, and how to know when it's time to leave. Plus, they discuss the 12 Date Rule, dating burnout, and why quitting a relationship might be the best decision you ever make!!

Matchmaker Maria is joined by sex therapist and LGBTQ+ matchmaker Dr. Frankie Bashan to talk about modern dating, ethical non-monogamy, and why she's now helping couples find a third partner! They also answer a listener's question about dating a transgender woman for the first time, including how to talk about sex, intimacy, and compatibility. Plus, Maria and Dr. Frankie debate dating apps, double texting, and why instant chemistry on a first date might actually be anxiety.   Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors! Ask A Matchmaker fans can buy one pair of glasses and get 20% off any additional pairs at https://WarbyParker.com/MATCHMAKER - and using our link helps support the show! #WarbyParker #ad

Why is Gen Z having less sex?  Kinsey Institute Executive Director  Dr. Justin Garcia returns to discuss the new Playboy study, 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. Matchmaker Maria 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 experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/matchmaker #rulapod #ad