Velvets Edge

Dating feels harder than ever. Dating apps, endless options, and swipe culture have left many people confused, burned out, and questioning what actually leads to real love. In this episode, Kelly talks with April Beyer, a 25-year professional matchmaker and founder of LEVEL Connections, about why modern dating feels broken — and what truly creates lasting relationships. With an 89% matchmaking success rate and hundreds of marriages, April shares what she’s learned from decades of helping people find long-term love. They explore why more options don’t lead to better choices, how swipe culture keeps people stuck in evaluation mode, and why chemistry and “spark” are often confused with emotional connection. April explains why relatability, emotional safety, and self-awareness matter more than shared interests or attraction, and how unresolved patterns quietly shape who we choose. The conversation also covers why matchmaking works differently than dating apps, how third-party guidanc