Laurie sits down today with Carolinas Matchmaker’s Membership Director, Julie Labbe! Julie is committed to helping people identify the real challenges they face in their dating life, set fun and realistic goals, and put programs in place that lead to relationship success. The two talk about what it’s like to work with the online dating team and some of their success stories. Julie Labbe is a respected leader in the matchmaking and coaching industry and is responsible for hundreds of relationship...
Dec 13, 2023•41 min•Ep. 52
This week, Laurie gets into all things sex with sexologist Michal Naisteter! Michal Naisteter has a passion for connecting people, fostering healthy relationships, and educating on human sexuality. She's more than just a matchmaker; she's a super-connector. Michal earned her Bachelor's degree from Penn State University and a Master of Education in Human Sexuality from Widener University. With over five years of experience helping clients find loving relationships in Philadelphia, she's dedicated...
Dec 06, 2023•39 min•Ep. 51
Today, Laurie welcomes Dawn Wiggins! Dawn Wiggins is a Florida-based licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice for the last 15 years. She’s also trained in multiple modalities from EMDR to EFT tapping. She’s the founder of Dawn Wiggins Therapy, with two therapy offices in Boca Raton and Key Largo, serving clients in Palm Beach County and Monroe County, Florida, and providing HIPPA-compliant video online therapy for those who are not able to commute. She received her masters and ...
Nov 29, 2023•36 min•Ep. 50
Laurie chats with celebrity matchmaker Alessandra Conti about what it’s like matching up the stars! Plus, the two nerd out over Taylor Swift and talk about what successful women seeking successful men need to know. Alessandra Conti is a Celebrity Matchmaker & Co-Founder of Matchmakers In The City, an old-school, personal Matchmaking firm headquartered in Beverly Hills. Conti is the Celebrity Matchmaker for shows like NBC’s Access Hollywood, an upcoming show on Bravo, and was a Matchmaker beh...
Nov 22, 2023•47 min•Ep. 49
This week, Laurie speaks with Dawn Maslar-Biggie MS on the science behind why and how you fall in love! Dawn Maslar-Biggie MS is an adjunct biology professor, writer and researcher of the science of love. She is the TEDx speaker on How Your Brain Falls In Love with 5.8 million views and the author of the book Men Chase, Women Choose: The Neuroscience of Meeting, Dating, Losing Your Mind, and Finding True Love (Oct 2016). She has been featured on South Florida Today, in the Miami Herald and on NP...
Nov 15, 2023•32 min•Ep. 48
I’m so excited to have Matchmaker Maria back on the podcast! We dig into so many great topics, including… Changes in the online dating app Tinder - your friends and family can play matchmaker Talks about what’s important - getting to the 80% Getting married at a young age Explains her "green theory" Changing traditions in dating Maria Avgitidis, better known as Matchmaker Maria, is the CEO of Agape Match and the host of the dating and relationship podcast, Ask a Matchmaker. A trail blazer in the...
Nov 08, 2023•44 min•Ep. 47
This week, Laurie welcomes fellow matchmaker Ella Scaduto to the podcast! They talk about speed dating, some great flirting techniques, and how specifically men can approach women in the wild! Plus, Ella shares some great tips for opening lines, how to get a phone number, and how to make a great first impression. Ella is a dynamic force in the world of matchmaking and date coaching. Smoky Mountain Matchmaker was created for one specific purpose in mind, helping Tennesseans find and build the lif...
Jun 07, 2023•38 min•Ep. 46
Today, Laurie chats one on one with YOU about relationships. If you’ve been in, or know someone, who is in a relationship that isn’t reciprocal you know it can be painful. Laurie talks about why this happens, the different types of attachment styles and what you can do for yourself to help you through this situation. How do you retrain your mind and get out of the anxious mindset? This podcast will help you through it! Laurie Berzack, MSW has more than a decade of professional matchmaking and co...
May 31, 2023•15 min•Ep. 45
This week, Laurie talks with social media maven Meredith Dean on how your social media presence is connected to your dating life! Meredith Dean is a digital branding & career consultant, community builder, travel & lifestyle content creator (3 million + impressions on social media), university educator, former journalist, and speaker & entrepreneur focused on DEI initiatives. She's the CEO and Founder of The Dean's List, a digital branding & career consulting firm that has helped...
May 24, 2023•28 min•Ep. 44
This week, Laurie is joined by Tony Smith, the Founder, Owner and Cupid for Denver’s Cupid: Colorado’s Gay Matchmaker! Denver’s Cupid is the only LGBTQ Matchmaking Service in Colorado and one of only a few in the USA. Tony specializes in “The Art of Matchmaking and the Power of Connection” via personal, private and boutique matchmaking along with social and speed dating events. Tony is a 20+ year resident of Denver and along with making connections, other specialties are event production, civic ...
May 17, 2023•32 min•Ep. 43
This week, Laurie talks to one of her clients, an eligible bachelor named Will! Alongside Laurie’s matchmaking, Will has been testing the waters with online dating. He’s gained some great insight into what’s been working and shares it with YOU to help you find the love of your life. Want to meet Will? Fill out a profile at http://carolinasmatchmaker.com and say I WANT TO MEET WILL in the comments! Donate to Samaritan's Purse at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/ Follow Laurie on Instagram at http:...
May 10, 2023•42 min•Ep. 42
This week, Laurie shares with you an amazing single woman in the Carolinas - Joy! Joy is a real estate broker in Charlotte, NC who specializes in new construction. She has a massive love for people and for turning dreams into realities. She is affectionately known as “THE FRIEND COLLECTOR.” Some people collect shoes or witty coffee mugs, but Joy has an effortless way of collecting friends wherever she goes. When she is not working, you can catch her exploring new places, spending quality time wi...
May 03, 2023•37 min•Ep. 41
This week, Laurie chats with an eligible single in the Carolinas… meet Katherine! She’s 51 years young and a business professional looking for a fellow world traveler! She’s also looking to potentially move (think large cities!) and open to dating elsewhere. Watch this week’s episode on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@Carolinasmatchmaker Interested in meeting Katherine? Fill out a profile at http://carolinasmatchmaker.com and mention that you want to meet Katherine from the podcast! Donate t...
Apr 26, 2023•34 min•Ep. 40
Not long ago, Sarah Franklin’s friend saw a man in a Kroger parking lot that was just her type. Her friend hooked them up and they went on a date! Sarah shared the story on TikTok and it’s been seen over 2 million times- a testament to random encounters, matchmaker friends, and fun story time! Sarah joins Laurie on this week’s podcast to talk about Kroger man, her dating life and about her own personal journey to learn and love herself. Sarah is an optimistic, enthusiastic, hype-girl who by day ...
Apr 19, 2023•26 min•Ep. 39
This week, Laurie speaks with Lora, a single woman in the Carolinas, about her previous marriage and how that affected her and how it has impacted her dating life today. Interested in possibly meeting Lora? Fill out a dating profile at http://carolinasmatchmaker.com and write in the additional comments that you are interested in Lora from the podcast! Follow Laurie on Instagram at http://instagram.com/carolinasmatchmaker Check out Laurie’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@Carolinasmat...
Apr 12, 2023•37 min•Ep. 38
This week, Laurie chats with Sydney Duarte. Sydney Duarte is a Change Agent, Adventure Enthusiast, Motivational Speaker, Retreat Leader, Muralist, Immersive Art Installation Artist, Graphic Designer, Owner at Duarte Designs and creator of all things magic. Sydney is an interdisciplinary artist who creates to elicit multi-sensory experiences through her work. Engaging the audience in play through her large-scale murals and interactive art installations. She enhances each new environment by adding...
Apr 05, 2023•46 min•Ep. 37
Laurie is joined by Carolinas Matchmaker’s Director of Client Relations, Teresa Foss, who shares the process of what occurs after you fill out a profile on our website! We discuss the first call assessment of intentional dating, goals, and the process of hiring a matchmaker, in addition to client stories. Teresa has worked in the dating industry for over a decade. She has worn many hats including Director of Matchmaking, Dating Coach, and Image Expert. Teresa, a natural empath, loves to help oth...
Mar 29, 2023•37 min•Ep. 36
Laurie chats with Morgan Conroy, content creator and consultant behind @sliceofclt, who shares tons of great date spots in the Queen City! Get ready to take some notes! Morgan has a gift for bringing people together and building connections. She has turned her love of food and travel into a hobby as a local influencer, sharing and supporting local businesses throughout the Carolinas and more. She’s also single and shares what it’s like dating people she meets in person vs. people she meets onlin...
Mar 22, 2023•32 min•Ep. 35
Today, Laurie speaks with Thomas, who worked with Laurie recently in a one-on-one coaching session. Since then, he’s found himself in a new relationship! They talk about all the things they discussed during his season and what he’s learned through his dating life and marriages over the years. Donate for Crusade for Children at https://www.whascrusade.org/ Follow Laurie on Instagram at http://instagram.com/carolinasmatchmaker To learn more about Laurie and how her team can help you find love, go ...
Mar 15, 2023•32 min•Ep. 34
This week, Laurie talks with Lauren Corriher, a writer whose work has appeared in Southern Living, Condé Nast Traveler, Shape, Health, Parents, Axios Charlotte, Charlotte Magazine, and more. Lauren recently did a story about Carolinas Matchmaker for Axios Charlotte. She's a former dating and relationships podcaster who met her husband on Bumble. Lauren shares some stories from her own dating experiences as well as those she wrote about during her stint as the Blind Date series for Axios Charlott...
Mar 08, 2023•30 min•Ep. 33
This week, Laurie speaks with Michelle! She’s a teacher, make-up artist and overall amazing woman who, since her divorce, has had some crazy dating stories! She shares them with us, as well as what she’s doing for self care as she’s looking for a long term partner. Interested in possibly meeting Michelle? Fill out a dating profile at http://carolinasmatchmaker.com and write in the additional comments that you are interested in Michelle from the podcast! Follow Laurie on Instagram at http://insta...
Mar 01, 2023•36 min•Ep. 32
Meet Heidi! She’s single in the Carolinas and ready to meet someone with a goal of marriage and family! Laurie chats with her about her dating journey, what she recently learned in a one-on-one session with Carolinas Matchmaker and shares what she’s looking for in a man! Interested in meeting Heidi? Fill out a profile at http://carolinasmatchmaker.com and mention Heidi in the notes! Donate to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at https://afsp.org/ Follow Laurie on Instagram at http:/...
Feb 22, 2023•24 min•Ep. 31
Eligible Bachelorette Alert! Today, you’re going to meet Ashley Jones. She’s a commercial banker in the financial industry by day and yogi at night. She divorced in her 30s and really learned about herself and life since. She shares how she’s more confident now in her 50s than she was in her 20s and 30s. Plus, after going through a recent break up, she shares what she’s looking for in a man now. Donate to Project ALS at https://projectals.org/ Follow Laurie on Instagram at http://instagram.com/c...
Feb 15, 2023•36 min•Ep. 30
Joining Laurie is her podcast producer and humorist, Matt Haze! For the last year, Matt has been in a long distance relationship with someone that lives 2,000 miles away. The two talk about that and how Matt had to go on a journey to love himself before he could love someone else. Matt Haze is a humorist, entrepreneur and media personality who has entertained millions online, on TV and on radio for over 20(ish) years. Known as the comedy brain behind the (slightly) well known @30RockTree twitter...
Feb 08, 2023•36 min•Ep. 29
This week, Laurie speaks with fellow dating and relationship expert Erika Ettin! The two share some great tips on how to be prepared and not feel as anxious on dates, as well as some juicy details on some recent client success stories! Erika Ettin is the Founder of A Little Nudge , a consulting company that helps people navigate the world of online dating, from first click to first date. She is also the author of the book Love at First Site and the co-host of the dating podcast So, We Met Online...
Feb 01, 2023•37 min•Ep. 28
Today, Laurie speaks with Corri Smith! Corri’s love story is unique on so many levels - she was ready to be single for the rest of her life, found a guy during the pandemic and got married to him in a cemetery! Corri lives life on her own terms and offers some great insights on how to create your own story, your way. Corri Smith is the owner of Black Wednesday, a Charlotte-based Marketing and PR company focused on personifying brands through creative, innovative, and organic strategies. With com...
Jan 25, 2023•38 min•Ep. 27
This week, Laurie talks with her photographer BFF, Laura Tompkins! Laura is responsible for many of the amazing photos Laurie’s clients use in their dating profiles in Charlotte. But today, the two talk about self love and body image and how Laura learned to love herself. Laura Tompkins, owner of Laurel Belle Photography & Branding, is a branding, headshot + content curation photographer. She helps brands create cohesive, beautiful imagery for their websites, blogs, social media accounts + p...
Jan 18, 2023•38 min•Ep. 26
We start the new year on a great start with life coach Colleen Odegaard on how to wake up your life! Colleen Odegaard is an Emmy award-winning broadcast journalist, TV host, certified life coach, video and media coach, and the host of the Wake Up To Your Life podcast. Her podcast was voted Best of the Best by Charlotte Magazine readers in 2021 and 2022. She wants all of us to stop living on autopilot and “wake up” to creating richer, fuller lives through self-awareness and mindfulness. Colleen r...
Jan 11, 2023•41 min•Ep. 25
Is there such a thing as “dating” over 50? What is it like in today’s dating age? Laurie talks about it with Charlotte radio personality Janine Davis! Janine Davis started her radio career over 30 years ago on the nationally syndicated "Tom Joyner Morning Show." Now she’s on the air every weekday from 10am to 3pm on The Janine Davis Show on V101.9, WBAV-FM. Known as "JD The Diva", she delivers a spicy, bold and highly energetic radio show with celebrity gossip and current events. She also offers...
Nov 23, 2022•37 min•Ep. 24
Laurie has a chat today with fellow Matchmaker May Bugenhagen! May Bugenhagen is a Professional Matchmaker and Dating Coach. She owns the boutique matchmaking company Two Asian Matchmakers and has been making successful matches since 2009. May helps successful and accomplished men in the U.S. find an Asian partner in the US and Asia. May has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Los Angeles Magazine, Huffington Post, Yahoo Life, and numerous other publications. With her clients’ interests at heart and stron...
Nov 16, 2022•44 min•Ep. 23
