Modern Love
Self-Improvement
About
True stories of love from the New York Times.
Episodes
- Isabel Allende and Her Mother Told Each Other (Almost) Everything
Isabel Allende discusses her daily correspondence with her mother, totaling over 24,000 letters, and how this practice influenced her writing career and relationships. She also touches on how letter writing has been a throughline in her bo…
- My Mom Had a Secret Daughter. I Finally Found Her.
Tracy Clark-Flory discovers her mother had a secret daughter who was placed for adoption. This episode follows Tracy's search for her half-sister and the new information she uncovers about her mother's history.
- No, I Won't Be Your Bridesmaid
Ruhama Wolle, author of "I Hope You Elope: A Bridesmaid Survival Guide," talks about her reasons for no longer being a bridesmaid. She shares practical tips on how to manage the role with authenticity and boundaries.
- Elizabeth Banks Married Her College Sweetheart. They’re Still in Love.
Elizabeth Banks discusses her long-lasting relationship with her college sweetheart. She also reads an essay from the Modern Love series titled "Making Space in Marriage, Even as the Walls Close In."
- My Husband’s Breakdown Was My Breakthrough
This episode of Modern Love features Stefanie discussing her experiences supporting her husband through severe depression and the personal breakthroughs she discovered by addressing her own needs. The narrative explores the couple's challe…
- Zendaya and Robert Pattinson on Marriage and Secrets
In this episode of Modern Love, Zendaya and Robert Pattinson discuss their new film "The Drama," where they portray an engaged couple dealing with a revealed secret. Host Anna Martin explores the themes of relationship anxiety and trust wi…
- He’s Gay. She’s Straight. They’re Newlyweds. (Encore)
Jacob Hoff and Samantha Greenstone, best friends, explored a romantic relationship despite Jacob being gay. They married and discussed clarifying their commitment and Jacob's coming out to his conservative family.
- A Widow's Guide to Sex
Joan Price, a sex educator, discusses her experience of rediscovering her sexuality after her husband's death. She shares advice on navigating grief and reconnecting with one's body, which is also the subject of her book, "Sex After Grief."
- Jessie Buckley Became a Mother for 'Hamnet.' Then She Became a Real One. (Encore)
Jessie Buckley talks about her role in 'Hamnet' as a grieving mother and how that experience influenced her own journey into motherhood. She also reads the Modern Love essay 'The Wrong Kind of Inheritance' by Victoria Dougherty.
- Lindy West Thought She Couldn’t Handle Polyamory. She Was Wrong.
Lindy West, who previously struggled with body image and societal pressures, explores polyamory in her marriage. She recounts her initial fears and subsequent emotional work when her husband began dating someone else, ultimately leading to…
- I Didn’t Want to Have Kids. My Husband Did. Could Our Marriage Survive?
Helena de Groot discusses her personal journey navigating the decision of whether or not to have children and its impact on her marriage. She shares how she reconciled her childhood vision with her adult experiences and uncertainties.
- What Happened When My Dad and I Came Out to Each Other
This episode of Modern Love features Julia Stoller discussing her evolving relationship with her father. It details how they both came out to each other and shared secrets, leading to Julia understanding a new version of her dad and learni…
- The Secret to True Romance
This episode of Modern Love explores listener-submitted stories detailing everyday romantic gestures. It also features Lonnie Anderson and Anne Bolger Witherspoon, who discuss their tradition of creating elaborate valentines.
- The Real Story Behind Jennette McCurdy’s Novel “Half His Age.”
Jennette McCurdy discusses her novel “Half His Age,” which tells the story of a relationship between a 17-year-old girl and her 40-year-old teacher. McCurdy explains how her own experiences inspired the book and how writing it helped her p…
- I Was the Fun Dad. It Almost Destroyed My Marriage.
Jordan Carlos reflects on his past role as a "fun dad" and how it negatively affected his marriage. He shares his journey of taking on more responsibilities after a "painful wake-up call" during the pandemic.
- I Tried to Toughen Up My Son. He Had Other Ideas.
Sam Graham-Felsen, who feared violence as a child, noticed similar tendencies in his son. He took his son on a road trip to Badlands National Park to instill resilience. The experience led Sam to reconsider his own definitions of toughness…
- Was I Married To A Stranger?
Belle Burden recounts the abrupt end of her 20-year marriage. Her husband unexpectedly asked for a divorce, leaving her to grapple with the sudden change. Her experiences were detailed in a Modern Love essay and a memoir.
- Want to have better sex this year? Here’s how.
Dr. Nicole McNichols, a psychology professor, shares insights on improving one's sex life. She addresses common misunderstandings and provides practical advice based on her research and new book, "You Could Be Having Better Sex."
- Andrew Garfield Wants to Crack Open Your Heart (Encore)
In this episode of Modern Love, Andrew Garfield discusses his film "We Live in Time," where he plays a newly divorced man who falls in love with a chef. He also talks about the intertwined nature of joy and grief, and reads Chris Huntingto…
- I Cashed Out My 401(k) to Build a Women’s Only Retirement Community
Robyn Yerian, who cashed out her 401(k) to build a women's retirement community called The Bird's Nest, discusses the experience with resident Cheryl Huff. They describe growing older together with the support of other women. This episode…
- Jessie Buckley Became a Mother for ‘Hamnet.’ Then She Became One for Real.
Jessie Buckley talks about embodying motherhood for her role in the film ‘Hamnet’ and how that experience related to her own pregnancy. She also shares how her life has transformed since becoming a mother and reads the essay “The Wrong Kin…
- Finding the Magic, Just in Time (Encore)
This episode of Modern Love features Clare Cory's story of finding love in her late 50s. She discusses how romance entered her life when she least expected it, adapting her Tiny Love Story from 2024.
- A Therapist’s Emotional Tool Kit for a Better Holiday Season
Nedra Glover Tawwab, a therapist, provides an emotional tool kit for the holiday season. This episode of "Modern Love" addresses listener questions on managing family dynamics and stress during the holidays.
- There's a Better Way for Couples to Talk About Money
This episode of Modern Love features personal finance author Ramit Sethi, who advises couples on how to discuss money. Sethi explains how curiosity and compassion can help couples navigate financial discussions, including merging finances…
- On Our Third Date, I Asked for a Joint Bank Account
Janene Lin recounts asking her date to open a joint bank account on their third date. She shares her motivations, as well as her date's reaction and what she learned about money.
- The Love Poem Andrea Gibson Wrote for Their Widow...and for You
This Modern Love episode features Megan Falley discussing her relationship with Andrea Gibson, who passed away from ovarian cancer. Falley shares her experiences with their love story and navigating life as a widow.
- W.N.B.A. Star Natasha Cloud Doesn’t Play When It Comes to Love
Natasha Cloud, a WNBA player for the New York Liberty, shares her personal journey of identity and self-acceptance. She discusses her experiences growing up, finding herself in college, and her relationship with teammate Isabelle Harrison.
- The Woman Who Can Make Affairs Disappear
Filmmaker Elizabeth Lo discusses her documentary "Mistress Dispeller," which explores the work of consultants in China who specialize in ending extramarital affairs. Lo shares her insights from embedding with a "mistress dispeller" for thr…
- Malala Thought She’d Never Fall in Love
Malala Yousafzai discusses her memoir "Finding My Way," and her experiences navigating ordinary life, including making friends, finding personal style, and falling in love. She also talks about her younger life and activism following being…
- Tessa Thompson on Finding What You Want (What You Really, Really Want)
Tessa Thompson discusses her role in the film "Hedda," an adaptation of "Hedda Gabler" by Henrik Ibsen. She relates to the character's desire to define life and love on her own terms and reads a Modern Love essay about an unhappy marriage.
- For Her 70th Birthday, She Hired an Escort
Gail Rice, a writer and therapist, discusses her decision to hire an escort for her 70th birthday. She recounts the experience and her plans for the future.
- How an Off-Script Moment Changed Jay Duplass’s Life
Jay Duplass discusses improvisation and its role in his life and new movie, "The Baltimorons." He also reads a Modern Love essay titled "The Dentist Who Treated My Divorce" by Hillery Stone, reflecting on interpersonal connections.
- You Think You Know Elizabeth Gilbert. You Don’t.
Elizabeth Gilbert, author of "Eat Pray Love," discusses challenges and a new love story that emerged after her memoir's success. She shares insights on self-fulfillment, spirituality, and love on this episode of Modern Love.
- Why I Always Dreamed of Being a Sister Wife
Christine Woolley shares her experiences with plural marriage, including her upbringing in a fundamentalist Mormon community and her adult life in a polygamous relationship, which was featured on the TLC show "Sister Wives." She also discu…
- E. Jean Carroll’s Vibrant Sex Life Ended 30 Years Ago. She Wants It Back.
E. Jean Carroll discusses her sexual assault allegations against former President Donald Trump and how it impacted her sex life. She shares her journey of coming to terms with the past to potentially reclaim her sex life.
- Nic and Olandria on What the ‘Love Island’ Cameras Missed
In this episode, Nic and Olandria from "Love Island USA" share their perspectives on their relationship journey during and after the show, addressing viewer interpretations and what was not shown on camera. They also discuss their plans fo…
- Bridget Everett Says A Best Friend Can Be Your Greatest Love (Encore)
Bridget Everett discusses the significance of friendship and reads an essay titled "When Your Greatest Romance Is a Friendship." She talks about her HBO series "Somebody Somewhere," which highlights a close friendship, and her search for a…
- Where Did All My Male Friendships Go?
Sam Graham-Felsen explores the evolution of his male friendships after marriage and fatherhood. He shares his journey of realizing a sense of loss and actively working to re-establish those connections.
- The Kind of Pain She Wanted
Grace Hussar discusses her essay "The Kind of Pain I Wanted" on Modern Love. She shares her journey from overthinking to finding presence and pleasure through endurance running and exploring rope play and kink.
- How to Stop Asking 'Are You Mad at Me?'
In this episode of Modern Love, therapist and author Meg Josephson discusses how she stopped people-pleasing and confronted her childhood. She also reads the essay "My Three Years as a Beloved Daughter" by Erin Brown.
- Reneé Rapp on Blurring the Line Between Bestie and Lover
Reneé Rapp discusses the blurred lines between platonic and romantic relationships within her friendships. She shares vulnerable moments with friends, including her best friend Alyah Chanelle Scott, and reads an essay about friends falling…
- How to Keep Love Alive, With Rob Delaney of ‘Dying for Sex’
Rob Delaney, known for his role in "Dying for Sex," joins host Anna Martin on Modern Love to discuss the value of vulnerability in relationships. He also reads a Modern Love essay about a couple using role-play to keep their relationship f…
- Let Mel Robbins Share Her 5 Tips for a Healthy Relationship
Mel Robbins offers five tips for a healthy relationship, discussing how these principles impacted her marriage and family. She also reads the Modern Love essay "You Have to Let Go to Move On."
- ‘The Interview’: Ocean Vuong was Ready to Kill. Then a Moment of Grace Changed His Life.
This Modern Love episode features author and poet Ocean Vuong. He discusses why he became a writer during an interview with David Marchese.
- To Share or Not to Share? How Location Sharing Is Changing Our Relationships
This Modern Love episode explores the impact of location sharing on relationships. It features listener responses and a conversation with essayist Arlon Jay Staggs regarding his personal struggles with location sharing and its effect on hi…
- ‘Materialists’ Director Celine Song Believes in Love at First Conversation
In this episode, director Celine Song discusses her new film, 'The Materialists.' She also reads Louise Rafkin’s Modern Love essay 'My View From the Margins' and shares her thoughts on love and relationships.
- Open Your Heart and Loosen Up! Therapist Terry Real’s Advice for Fathers
This episode of Modern Love features listener stories about fatherhood and emotional vulnerability. Family therapist Terry Real provides advice on parenting with emotional honesty and sensitivity.
- First Love Mixtape: Side B (Encore)
This episode of Modern Love features listeners sharing songs that influenced their understanding of love, including teen anthems and reflections from long-term relationships. It concludes with an essay about divorce after over 50 years of…
- First Love Mixtape: Side A (Encore)
This episode features an essay by Lisa Selin Davis called "What Lou Reed Taught Me About Love." She writes about her summer romance and how the song "I'll Be Your Mirror" influenced her. The Modern Love team also discusses songs that influ…
- Friends for 16 Years. Lovers for One Night.
This episode recounts the story of Elizabeth and Jeff, two best friends for 16 years. An underlying attraction between them surfaces after Jeff becomes ill, altering their relationship. The episode covers their friendship's entire trajecto…