Miguel Santiago-Medina participated in Married at First Sight season 15, and it’s time for an update on him. Season 15 took place in San Diego, California. Then-35-year-old Miguel was matched by the panel of experts, Dr. Pepper Schwartz, Pastor Cal Roberson, and Dr. Pia Holec, to then-29-year-old Lindy Elloway. Physical Therapist Lindy and Associate Medical Director Miguel got married as strangers along with four other couples: Alexis Williams and Justin Hall, Morgan Bell and Binh Trinh, Stacia Karcher and Nate Barnes, and Mitch Silverstein and Krysten Collins. The MAFS experience lasts eight weeks and includes a honeymoon after the wedding.
Married at First Sightseason 15 premiered on July 6, 2022, and ended on November 9, 2022. There were a total of 19 episodes, including a two-part Reunion. Season 15 can be considered another failure for the franchise since none of the couples are still together. Morgan and Binh were the first to break up shortly after their honeymoon. The other four couples all made it to Decision Day after living together. However, Mitch and Krysten said no to each other come Decision Day, with Stacia and Nate, Alexis and Justin, and Miguel and Lindy saying yes.
Miguel & Lindy’s Married At First Sight Journey
They Had Many Rocky Times
Lindy and Miguel started out strong and seemed like the most compatible couple. They had instant chemistry and seemed in tune with each other’s communication styles and passions. However, cracks started to show when it appeared like Lindy was sacrificing her own happiness and desires in the marriage to be more agreeable to Miguel. Miguel became very aloof toward Lindy and developed an attitude toward her. That was ever-apparent during the couple’s retreat.
Their marriage encountered a meltdown after Lindy didn’t ask Miguel to take photos of her and asked the producer to take them instead. Miguel didn’t want the pictures to happen in the first place because he had low energy and he got upset that Lindy apparently didn’t recognize that (via Lifetime.) Their “Prom Night” themed event later in the night devolved even further after their initial fight about the photos.
“It feels like I’m misunderstood and that’s the issue,” Miguel griped.
Miguel and Lindy’s communication had a breakdown, and Lindy felt like Miguel was a gaslighter. Miguel continued his attitude problem and Lindy spiraled because of it. However, come Decision Day, Lindy and Miguel held on to the qualities they liked about each other and happily said yes to staying married. The pair stayed married until February 2023, when Lindy released an Instagram statement.
“Sadly, It’s impossible to stay married if both people are not equally committed to the success of the marriage.”
Since their breakup, Lindy and Miguel have gone on to live totally different and separate lives, and they do not follow each other on Instagram.
Miguel Had A Major Spine Surgery
He’s Doing Better Now
In March 2023, shortly after his breakup with Lindy, Miguel told his Instagram followers that he had degenerative disc diseases: Tenosis, Spondylosis, and Facet osteoarthritis.
“I’ve always had a crummy lower back but more recently, it’s been getting pretty bad. Decided to get an MRI coz my sciatica wasn’t improving. Turns out I’m falling apart.”
Miguel detailed the pain he was in and the things he tried to do to alleviate his discomfort. He tried cupping, acupuncture, and medication, but said that he would need a serious surgery.
Miguel gave several updates about how he was feeling after his March 2024 surgery. His most recent update was in mid-April 2024 about being one month post-op from his spinal surgery. He said he had been walking a lot and that moving was really helping him out. Miguel also took a trip to Hawaii in May 2024 and did not report any issues.
Miguel Has Changed His Style
Miguel Looks Different
Miguel had a clean-cut look while on Married at First Sight season 15. He also sported a style that often included his Dungeons and Dragons bear hat with hanging-down paws. Miguel went through a heavy beard and long hair phase after his surgery but has more recently opted for a shaggy hair mop and his signature closely-buzzed beard. Miguel has not changed who viewers saw on the show in terms of personality, however, he says he is a “Full time nerd, part time lover,” and “hobbyist foodie.”
Miguel Has Taken Accountability For His MAFS Behavior
Miguel Know He Should Have Treated Lindy Better
MAFS alum Miguel has taken the route of accountability since his portrayal on the show. Seeing himself reflected on TV made Miguel realize the error of his ways and his treatment of Lindy. He made an Instagram post on June 9, 2024, that showed a behind-the-scenes look at the “Prom Night” the couples had during their retreat.
“I should’ve done a better job at helping her celebrate the prom,” Miguel admitted.
“Another regret I have is not being able to move past my anger and impatience. I wished I could’ve just gotten over it and myself, and lived in the moment.” Miguel clearly wishes he would have been different and more supportive of Lindy. However, if his Prom Night behavior was any indication, they had more derailments like that off-camera after Decision Day.
Miguel and Lindy weren’t meant to be on Married at First Sight. While they started out positively, their communication devolved and neither was able to understand what the other needed and wanted.
Between their fight over Lindy not changing her last name to Lindy being upset Miguel wouldn’t put her on his insurance, their mounting issues were abundant throughout the season.
Lindy has gone on to be a flight attendant and avid traveler, while Miguel seems focused on his health and career. It’s clear the duo are better and more fulfilled without each other.
Lindy and Miguel’s marriage failure contributed to the low success rate of the Married at First Sight season 15 couples. They seemed like the most promising pair initially, but it became apparent that the experts did not match them well when considering their personality types and individual sensitivities. The experts also didn’t counsel them well enough to be able to work through their problems. Since Miguel and Lindy’s season, there has only been one lasting couple.