Comedian and author Alison Leiby joins Matchmaker Maria to talk about her new essay collection I'm a Lot and why every version of ourselves deserves a seat at the table. They discuss different identities, only-child life, surviving a near death experience, chronic back pain, stand up comedy, and how those experiences shape dating and relationships. Plus, the two answer a listener who feels like she's lost herself after ignoring red flags in a relationship and wants to learn how to trust herself again. If you've ever wondered who you are outside of dating, this episode is for you!

Ready to date with intention?

💌 Join Maria's Roundtable community or submit your own dating question:
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Make new friends. Travel the world.
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Use code ESCAPES150 for $150 off early bird pricing.

✨ Order Maria's book 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/book
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⭐ Leave a 5-star review if you're feeling lovable and likable

Everything: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria
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Agape Match IG: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/
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Producer: Venetia Geras
https://www.venetiageras.com/

Studio: WTF Media Studios
https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

Comedian Jourdain Fisher joins Matchmaker Maria for a hilarious hotline episode about dating, love, and learning when not to "fix" your partner's problems. Go check out his comedy special, Bits and Pieces, today!!

They break down whether weed is a real deal breaker, if one bad joke should end a relationship, and what it really means when someone says they're "going through something." Plus, Jordan shares how Bumble led him to love, why he used to fear commitment, and the relationship lesson every boyfriend needs to hear: sometimes "Wow, that sucks" is enough.

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

Make new friends. Travel the world.
☀️ Check out upcoming trips: https://agapeescapes.com/
Use code ESCAPES150 for $150 off early bird pricing.

✨ Order Maria's book 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/book
🎧 Subscribe to the podcast
⭐ Leave a 5-star review if you're feeling lovable and likable

Everything: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria
Agape Match IG: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

Producer: Venetia Geras
https://www.venetiageras.com/

Studio: WTF Media Studios
https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

Psychiatrist and couples therapist Dr. Sue Varma joins Matchmaker Maria to explain why optimism isn't something you're born with, it's a skill you can build. They break down the difference between healthy realism and catastrophizing, why overthinking keeps people single, and how "maximizers" sabotage dating by chasing endless options. Plus, they answer a listener question about a boyfriend who's afraid to take the next step toward marriage and whether it's your job to fix your partner's fears. If dating has started to feel hopeless, this episode shares practical ways to change your mindset without falling into toxic positivity.

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

Make new friends. Travel the world.
☀️ Check out upcoming trips: https://agapeescapes.com/
Use code ESCAPES150 for $150 off early bird pricing.

✨ Order Maria's book 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/book
🎧 Subscribe to the podcast
⭐ Leave a 5-star review if you're feeling lovable and likable

Everything: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria
Agape Match IG: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

Producer: Venetia Geras
https://www.venetiageras.com/

Studio: WTF Media Studios
https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home