Ever wondered, “Are we actually meant to be?” or “Why does love feel so hard sometimes?” 💭 This week on Miss Matched, I’m sitting down with Dr. Mary Marano — psychotherapist, founder & CEO of Life and Family Counselling Services, and the woman who says, “Change isn’t a skill, it’s a choice.” We go there.We talk about why we’re drawn to certain people, how our childhood shows up in our adult relationships, why some of us date the same person in a different body, and how to tell the difference between “this is hard because growth is hard” and “this isn’t good for me.” Dr. Mary breaks down emotional regulation (why you flip your lid), fair fighting rules, why couples should argue in their functional adult not their adaptive child, and how to rebuild after a breakup that felt like a death. We also get into parenting, fostering, generational trauma, and how overhelping your kids actually steals their confidence.🎧 Listen now on Spotify / Apple / YouTube💬 Comment your biggest “that’s me” moment.
What happens when a billion-dollar builder gets real about relationships? In this episode, entrepreneur and philanthropist Michael Hyatt (two exits, Hyatt Family Office/CIO, CBC commentator) goes deep on the crossover between company building and couple building—how the same habits that scale a startup can strengthen a marriage and family.
We cover: why winners are tortoises, not hares; the danger of “hope as a strategy”; founder-led sales and unit economics; working with family without blowing it up; “trust but verify” leadership; EQ > IQ in an AI world; and why the most important decision you’ll ever make (in business and life) is who you choose as your partner. Michael shares candid lessons on dating while scaling, marrying and having kids later in life, making small daily deposits into your relationship, and the rule that changed his parenting: be present.
If you’re a founder, operator, or ambitious romantic trying to have both the hustle and the heart, this one’s your playbook.
Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of love, work, and everything messy in between.
Guest: Michael Hyatt — Entrepreneur, Investor, Chair of the Hyatt Family Foundation
Topics: Entrepreneurship, relationships, family business, leadership, AI, resilience, parenting, dating while building
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Failure doesn’t mean you’re a failure — and this episode proves it. This week on Miss Matched, Nicole sits down with Marsha Druker, community builder, podcaster, and the force behind Fuckup Nights Toronto. For the past eight years, Marsha has built a space where entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals share their biggest mistakes instead of their polished success stories. Together, they dive into why failure is really just feedback, how Marsha’s own layoffs and pivots shaped her path, and how to separate the idea of failing from being a failure. They also explore the power of community in turning setbacks into comebacks and the lessons learned from hundreds of unfiltered stories.
From crying over test scores as kids to losing jobs and relationships as adults, Nicole and Marsha get real about what it means to fall, get back up, and find purpose in the mess. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “not good enough” after a setback, this conversation is your reminder that failure isn’t the end — it’s just part of the story.
Toronto’s dating scene is getting a major upgrade. Andrea Lo turned a layoff and breakup into Toronto Dating Hub — now hosting 10+ creative events a month, from jet ski speed dating to niche mixers for single parents, teachers, and more.
We chat about what really makes singles events successful (hint: it’s not just rings), the biggest style and conversation gaps between men and women, coffee date do’s and don’ts, and why shared values and love languages matter more than ever.
If you’re ready to ditch the apps and meet people in real life, this episode is your guide to dating intentionally — and having fun doing it.
🎙️ Guest: Andrea Lo, Toronto Dating Hub / Toronto Event Hub
🌐 torontodatinghub.com | 📸 @torontodatinghub
The freelance life looks shiny on Instagram—but what does it really take to build a multi-hyphenate career you can sustain? In this episode, I sit down with powerhouse host/producer/creator Brigitte Truong to unpack the business, the burnout, and the boundaries behind modern freelancing. Brigitte Truong knows the power of wearing all the hats. We unpack scarcity vs. abundance in Canada’s small media market, why “you don’t ask, you don’t get” is every freelancer’s mantra, and how to set phone limits before screen time wrecks your mental health. Brigitte also shares how she built Rally, a youth festival for digital wellness—proof you can pivot, evolve, and create purpose-driven work on your own terms.Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been on the rollercoaster for years, this conversation will help you price better, pitch smarter, protect your energy, and actually enjoy the ride.
On this episode of Miss Matched, I sit down with writer, editor, and organizer Hayley Mlotek, whose debut book No Fault: A Memoir of Romance and Divorce dives into the messy, layered reality of relationships ending. Hayley has lived a thousand creative lives — from makeup artist to essayist to editorial lead at Feeld — and she brings that same curiosity and candor to her writing.
Together, we explore what it means to grow up with a high school sweetheart, why divorce doesn’t equal failure, and how cultural narratives around marriage are shifting. We talk about why divorce is both grief and freedom, and how community (friends, family, and chosen families) can carry us through heartbreak.
We also get into love in the modern age: the realities of dating apps, redefining intimacy, and why embracing ambiguity can be liberating. This conversation is honest, layered, and full of hope — reminding us that endings are rarely just endings.
If you’ve ever questioned what it means to stay, to leave, or to start over, this one’s for you.
✨ On this episode of Miss Matched, I sit down with my friend and fellow dating expert, Jen Kirsch — dating columnist, radio host, and pop culture insider.
We get real about:
- Choosing to be single by choice and what it taught her
- Breaking patterns and spotting red flags early
- Communication, expectations vs. standards, and why honesty is the ultimate dating hack.
- Solo dating, serendipitous connections, and the joy of meeting people IRL
- From ghosting to trauma bonding, why modern love is messy but worth it
If you’ve ever felt stuck in dating cycles, wondered if it’s okay to take a break from love, or just needed a reminder that vulnerability is your superpower — this one’s for you.
🎧 Listen now and join us as we laugh, reflect, and spill some serious truths about love in Toronto and beyond.
Divorce isn’t something we talk about enough — but it’s something so many of us will face, directly or indirectly. On this episode of Miss Matched, I sit down with certified divorce coach Jackie Santin to unpack what “The Big D” really looks like: the heartbreak, the healing, and the chance to start fresh.
From Jackie’s own story to her work guiding others through breakups, separation, and rebuilding, this conversation is equal parts raw, relatable, and empowering. Whether you’re going through it yourself, supporting a friend, or just curious about love’s tougher chapters, this one’s for you. Because the end of one love story might just be the beginning of another.
On this episode of Miss Matched, I sit down with the incredible Deborah Graham—psychic medium, spiritual advisor, and the world’s only “Psychic Matchmaker.” For more than 30 years, she’s been helping people across 150+ countries connect with their true partners, and today she’s sharing exactly how she does it.
Deborah opens up about how she first discovered her gift at age six, why she believes we’re living in a “soul connection candy land” thanks to dating apps, and what really keeps us stuck in old relationship patterns. She also explains her famous Rule of 3—three dates in three weeks, staying monogamous for three months—and why it could be the key to finally finding lasting love.
We get into everything from crystals and cosmic energy to arranged marriages and dating red flags, plus Deborah even gives me a live reading (spoiler: she sees kids 👀).
If you’ve ever felt blocked in love, curious about soulmates, or just want to hear wild stories from a woman who’s matched people for decades—you’ll love this one.
Award-winning speaker, mindset coach, and Mom Dump host Maya Woronicz gets real about modern motherhood: the parts no one warns you about, the identity shift, and finding yourself again after baby. We talk shame, mom-guilt, postpartum, and why it’s okay to grieve the old you while loving the new one.In this episode:- Losing & rebuilding self-identity in motherhood (and why it’s normal to grieve your pre-baby self)- Postpartum depression/anxiety vs. the deeper “Who am I now?” question- Maya’s brutal pregnancy journey → finally diagnosed psoriatic arthritis- The love story: how she shot her shot and found a truly supportive partner- Real talk on relationships after kids: resentment, roles, and… breastfeeding chaos 😂- Modeling self-care for your kids (gym time, facials, boundaries) + a 4-year-old’s emotional IQ (!!)- Meditation for moms: how to start (you’re not “doing it wrong”)- Rings vs. real commitment; why some women don’t need a wedding to feel secure- A wild shared-ex moment at the end you won’t see coming 👀If you’ve ever thought, “I love my kid, but I miss parts of me,” this one’s for you.💬 Tell us your “finding myself again” moment in the comments.👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the 🔔 for more unfiltered conversations on love, identity, and real life.
The Love Island USA Season 7 Reunion is almost here, and we’ve got all the TEA. 👀On this episode of Miss Matched, I sit down with Love Island Season 6, and Olivia Walker to chat about her new reality spin-off show Beyond The Villa, spill on life after the villa, finding love beyond reality TV, and what it’s really like dating after Love Island. Plus, Brad Smith joins me to break down the cast drama, messy hookups, and predictions for the Season 7 reunion.If you’re obsessed with Love Island USA, reality dating shows, or just love a good relationship chat—this one’s for you.👉 Hit subscribe for more recaps, behind-the-scenes insights, and unfiltered convos every week.
On this episode of Miss Matched, I sit down with my mom and dad for one of the most personal (and funniest) conversations we’ve ever had. We talk about love, marriage, parenting, and all the messy, magical moments in between. From their biggest relationship lessons to the stories I’ve never heard before, this episode is equal parts heartfelt and hilarious.Whether you’re single, dating, or 30 years into marriage, there’s something in here for you — plus a few moments that will make you want to call your parents right after watching. 💛
🔔 Subscribe for more deep conversations on love, heartbreak, relationships, and pop culture.
On this episode of Miss Matched, I sit down with AI neuroscientist and bestselling author Sarah Baldeo to talk about how we can future-proof our brains in a rapidly changing world. From boosting emotional intelligence and reprogramming negative thoughts to understanding empathy—and even narcissism—on a neurological level, Sarah shares actionable insights rooted in science and soul. We explore how much control we really have over our thoughts, words, and actions, and what it takes to stay deeply human in the age of AI. 💭🧠✨
Award-winning artist and songwriter Lindsay Ell joins me to talk about her raw and revealing new EP Fence Sitter (out October 3rd), opening up about the meaning behind her latest single Magic, the identity shifts of womanhood, and how the Make Me Movement is empowering others through vulnerability.In this candid episode, we both share our personal experiences with eating disorders, healing, and self-worth — nothing is off-limits.💫 Magic is the anthem.💖 This conversation is bold, honest, and healing.🔔 Subscribe for more deep conversations on love, heartbreak, relationships, and pop culture.
In this unfiltered episode of Miss Matched, I sit down with Sarah Lauren — the tall blonde you’ve definitely seen on your FYP — to talk about the wild ride from TikTok fame to podcasting and all the messy, relatable chaos in between.We get into:✨ Dating in the city (yes, she still loves men)💔 Her best friend sleeping with her boyfriend🎙 The biggest misconceptions about starting a podcast😮💨 Being bullied so badly she had to leave school🧠 The therapy, the healing, the mirror pep talks🗣 And why she’s not afraid of uncomfortable convos — from sex to self-worthSarah’s journey is raw, real, and hilarious — and proof that even the most confident women have fought like hell to get there.Subscribe, listen, and remember: the glass can be half full... once you stop dating people who drink from it first 😏
We met during COVID, moved in together, bought a house, and talked about marriage. I thought we were solid — calm, supportive, and growing. Until the purchase of a Peloton unraveled everything.In this episode, I’m sharing the story I never thought I’d tell — how subtle control, emotional detachment, and financial manipulation showed up after we made a home together.From sobbing to couples therapy, this is the real story of what it means to choose yourself, even when it costs you everything you thought you were building.💬 What we fought about (and what it really meant)💰 The moment I realized it wasn’t love — it was control🧠 What our therapist told him that I’ll never forget💌 The letters we wrote each other — and how he still didn’t get it🏡 Leaving the house I built with my own hands💡 And how I found peace (and a beautiful new home) on the other sideThis one’s for anyone who’s been gaslit, gutted, and still came out stronger.Your heartbreak doesn’t define you — how you rebuild does.🔔 Subscribe for more deep conversations on love, heartbreak, relationships, and pop culture.
I sit down with Bachelor Nation icon Nick Viall to talk about his unforgettable TV moments-- from being apart of The Bachelor franchise to building a relationship podcast empire with The Viall Files.Nick opens up about:- Growing pains on National TV- How he went from Bachelor "villain" to respected dating expert (I consider him to be one)- Hosting the viral Mormon Wives Reunion and calling out accountability- Becoming a father in 2024 and how it's changed his view on love- Red flags, romance, emotional maturity & modern masculinityWe also dive into the viral drama from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and how Nick handles the heat when things get messy — on reality TV or in real life.
🔔 Subscribe for more deep conversations on love, heartbreak, relationships, and pop culture.
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In this powerful episode of Miss Matched, I sit down with Brandi Leifso—a woman who survived domestic violence, lived in a shelter, and went on to build a beauty brand, write a book, and now… have actors playing her life in a feature film.We talk about:💔 Surviving abuse and finding her voice🏚️ Building a company from a shelter with nothing but a laptop and a dream📝 Turning her story into a book—and now a movie🔥 The unshakeable power of reclaiming your narrativeBrandi’s story isn’t just inspiring—it’s a reminder that your rock bottom doesn’t define you. How you rise from it does.SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST🎙️https://www.youtube.com/@missmatchedpodcast✨ CHECK OUT MY SOCIALS✨ Instagramhttps://instagram.com/missmatchedpodPersonal Instagram:https://instagram.com/nicoleservinisTikTokhttps://tiktok.com/@missmatchedpodcastSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/1BXld2OaGe4rhAzUvGLBPHApplehttps://podcasts.apple.com/bg/podcast/miss-matched-podcast/id1816302258
This week on Miss Matched, Nicole heads to the woods (emotionally, at least) with Greg Chociej, the founder of Camp Heartbreak—Toronto’s first-ever retreat for the romantically wrecked. Greg opens up about his first heartbreak (and it's not what you think), what it really means to heal in nature, and why heartbreak deserves more than just wine and swipe fatigue. From lakeside group chats to guided emotional purges, this episode is all about turning pain into community—and maybe even roasting a marshmallow or two while you're at it.
💬 Would you go to Camp Heartbreak? Let us know in the comments!
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After my last breakup, I hit a place I never thought I would.I lost my confidence, my sense of self, and felt like no amount of therapy could bring me back to me.That’s when I found Harmony PEC—a space rooted in sacred plant medicine, deep connection to nature, and community support. And slowly, something started to shift. I began to feel again. To open up. To heal.In this episode, I sit down with the incredible team behind Harmony to talk about what it means to truly pause, evolve, and connect. 🌿✨ This is not a fix.✨ This isn’t for everyone.✨ But if your heart is open and you're looking for something deeper, listen with curiosity.Important Note: Sacred plant medicine is not a medical treatment or cure. It is a deeply personal, spiritual experience and should be approached with care, intention, and research. Always consult a medical or mental health professional for your individual needs.Harmony PEC is a place to come home to yourself.28 acres of trails, wetlands, lakefront, and nourishing plant-based food. A refined, earth-friendly sanctuary for those ready to reconnect with their true selves—and Mother Earth. 🌎💫Come for the healing. Stay for the magic.
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