Modern Love
The New York Times
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For 16 years, the Modern Love column has given New York Times readers a glimpse into the complicated love lives of real people.
Since its start, the column has evolved into a TV show, three books and a podcast. Now, we are excited to announce a relaunch of the podcast at The Times, hosted by Daniel Jones, the editor and creator of Modern Love, and Miya Lee, editor of Tiny Love Stories and Modern Love projects.
Each week, we’ll bring you their favorite stories from the column’s vast archive, conversations with the authors, and a few surprises. New episodes every Wednesday.
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
Jun 9, 2021
Was It Me or Our Astrology?
After heartbreak landed Amisha Patel on her parents' couch, she began to question whether her love life was predetermined.
Jun 2, 2021
Trapped in a Romance Scam
Last spring, Michael McAllister’s inbox started filling up with messages from heartbroken women. “I thought you were the man,” one wrote. “Embarrassing, but I kinda became obsessed with ‘you,’” another said. Michael discovered that his photos were being used to catfish women on dating apps — from Germany to Brazil to Chicago.
Today’s story explores a global dating scam (that’s still going on, by the way) and the pandemic-fueled loneliness of digital life. Also, we hear from two women who were duped by Michael’s impostor. One of them shares a trick for determining whether or not a dating prospect is real. Click here for more info on the episode.
Featured Story:
* “How I Got Caught Up in a Global Romance Scam" by Michael McAllister
May 26, 2021
Meet Cute at Zero Years Old
Kadine Christie’s birth story is one that has been told to her time and again. She was born in the mountain town of Spalding, Jamaica, in the presence of two women: her mother, Lorna, and a stranger, Lurline, who was going into labor in the same open ward. This is a story that feels like fiction, but is far from it. It has high stakes, unexpected connections and a surprising ending. Something astonishing — even magical — was born in that maternity ward 40 years ago. Tune in to learn why Kadine’s birth story is also her love story.
You can find more info on today's episode here.
Featured Stories:
* _“_I Met My Husband on the Maternity Ward_,” _by Kadine Christie
* “An Unexpected Sign” by Sarah Reynolds Westin
May 19, 2021
She Left Me There
Kacey Vu Shap had no desire to return to the Vietnamese orphanage of his youth. As a child, whenever he told people he was adopted, he would say that he came “premade” — that he spontaneously appeared one day at the Baltimore airport, greeted by a new family bearing flowers and kisses. “It was easier to sanitize my story by speaking only of my life as Kacey, who was loved and wanted, than to tell people of my life as Vu, who was abandoned and undesired,” Kacey wrote in his Modern Love essay. Nearly 25 years later, Kacey found himself back at the orphanage with his three best friends and a newfound understanding of what form love can take.
You can find more info on today's episode here.
May 12, 2021
Why Do People Get Married?
Welcome to our season premiere. Seven years into a serious relationship, Jake Maynard got a text from his mother: “Gramma Gert: 3, Jake: 0.” This was her way of telling him that his grandmother, in her 80s, was getting married for the third time, while Jake remained unmarried and childless in his late 20s. His family found this strange. Stranger still, at least in Jake’s view, was his grandmother’s choice of partner. (You’ll have to listen to the episode.) Today, we explore how two generations of the same family — 50 years apart — grapple with identity, tangled kin and the loaded question of marriage.
You can find more info on today's episode here.
May 7, 2021
The Return of the Modern Love Podcast
The Modern Love podcast will be back for a new season on May 12, with new episodes on Wednesdays. We hope you’ll join us!
You can find more info about the new season here.
Dec 23, 2020
What the Silence Said
When Laura and her husband divorced after two decades of marriage, their “little Colorado mountain town” could barely tell. It was quiet compared to the dramatic natural disasters that were afflicting the area — like flooding and wildfires. There were no raised voices, no feelings of fury.
So why did they split? In the lead-up to their divorce, Laura had a revelation about what good love — the kind that will “survive life” — is supposed to sound like.
Featured stories:
* “No Sound, No Fury, No Marriage," by Laura Pritchett
* “Silence Is Its Own Answer," by Jennifer Byrne
Laura's story was recorded by Audm. To hear more audio stories from publishers like The New York Times, download Audm for iPhone or Android.
Dec 16, 2020
‘Desire Is Never the Mistake’
This holiday season, it’s OK to want more. Paula grew up in foster care, and year after year she would find herself “clobbered by desire” when the holidays rolled around. She longed for a mother and father to rescue her and “make everything better”; she wished for the hip-huggers and games she saw on TV.
When she was 21, she met a man named Jeff who ruptured this annual cycle of desire. He became the inspiration for a hard-earned Christmas lesson.
Featured stories:
* “The Holiday of My Dreams Was Just That,” by Paula McLain
* “A Sweet Reminder,” by Meg Christman
Paula's story was recorded by Audm. To hear more audio stories from publishers like The New York Times, download Audm for iPhone or Android.
You can find more information on today's episode here.
Dec 9, 2020
With the Help of Strangers
This episode contains descriptions of domestic violence.
In 2013, Courtney Queeney published an essay about surviving domestic violence and the legal proceedings that followed. She described going to a courthouse every two weeks to renew her emergency protection order against her ex. It was during this period that she found “scattered bright spots” — things to laugh about when everything seemed unfunny. She found comfort in the woman who shared her court schedule; her lawyer, whom she revered; and the judge who made her crack up.
Today, we hear about how Courtney has worked through the experience and aftermath of her abuse — and where is she now.
Featured stories:
* “The View From the Victim Room,” by Courtney Queeney
* “Held by String,” by Eliza Rudalevige
Courtney's story was recorded by Audm. To hear more audio stories from publishers like The New York Times, download Audm for iPhone or Android.
You can find more information on today's episode here.
New York Times subscribers are invited to join the hosts of Modern Love on Dec. 15 for an evening celebrating the new “Tiny Love Stories” book. RSVP here.
Dec 2, 2020
A Lifetime of Good Loving
When Bette met her husband, he was leaning against a wall at a party. He had, as she put it, “smoldering looks and banked fires.” He was from Brooklyn; she was from the Bronx. She assumed his silent “bad boy” vibe meant “dangerous love and dramatic heartbreak.”
They got married, and she realized that she’d misread his quiet demeanor: “His eyes were simply beautiful, and his silence wasn’t fierce; he just didn’t have anything to say at the moment.”
After 56 years together, Bette’s husband passed away on the eve of the pandemic. Bette, now alone, shares what had kept them together all these years, and what their long love means to her now.
Featured stories:
* “Widow Walks Into Wall, Finds Hope,” Bette Ann Moskowitz
* “Seeing Her in Me,” Alicia Gabe
Bette's story was recorded by Audm. To hear more audio stories from publishers like The New York Times, download Audm for iPhone or Android.
You can find more information on today's episode here.
Nov 18, 2020
Confronting Race on the First Date
Andrew and Sarah met on a dating app. Their first date was just supposed to be coffee, but it lasted nine glorious hours. They talked nonstop across four San Francisco neighborhoods.
But by 2 a.m., Sarah had an admission to make. She told Andrew, who is Asian-American, that his “race might be an issue.” Andrew was shocked. The kicker? Sarah is also Asian-American.
Today, we hear both sides of this story — and find out where Sarah and Andrew are now.
Featured stories:
* “When a Dating Dare Leads to Months of Soul Searching,” Andrew Lee
* “Manic Pixie Real Girl,” Jerico Mandybur
Andrew’s story was recorded by Audm. To hear more audio stories from publishers like The New York Times, download Audm for iPhone or Android.
Nov 11, 2020
No More Secrets
Sarah and Liz met on a blind date in New York City. Sarah ordered a club soda with a splash of cranberry juice. Liz ordered wine — twice.
A few weeks into dating, while taking a walk together through Chelsea Market, a feeling crystallized for Liz: “I knew in the way seasons change that I would love her before this one ended.”
In order to make this work, Liz knew she could no longer hide from Sarah that she had an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.
But six weeks after they got married, Liz hit a wall. She found herself in an airport, en route to Milan, tempted by a cold escape.
Featured stories:
* “Flying Close to Temptation," Liz Parker
* “What Love Feels Like," E.J. Schwartz
Liz's story was recorded by Audm. To hear more audio stories from publishers like The New York Times, download Audm for iPhone or Android.
You can find more information on today's episode here.
Nov 4, 2020
Dusty-Danger Dog
Feeling election stress? Today's stories about a man and his dog may help.
Timothy Braun was on a run through the Texas heat. When he stopped at a local animal shelter for a drink of water, he was taken by a dog who stared at him with pointy ears and mismatched eyes — one brown, one blue. He had no intention of adopting a dog, but “out of curiosity, or God knows what” he looked into the dog’s folder. It said that he'd been abandoned by an old woman. Her reason? “Dusty keeps following me around the house.”
On today’s episode, we follow Dusty and Timothy’s relationship through two stories, seven years apart.
Featured stories:
* “Four-Legged Reason to Keep It Together" and "She Wanted a Man With a Good Job Who Was Nice to Animals" by Timothy Braun
Timothy's stories story were recorded by Audm. To hear more audio stories from publishers like The New York Times, download Audm for iPhone or Android.
Oct 28, 2020
Devoted but Doomed
In college, Malcolm Conner penned a rambling email intended for his crush. “You have cow eyes,” he wrote. “I know that sounds like a bad thing but have you ever looked into a cow’s eyes? They are so deep and brown and beautiful.”
What he hadn’t disclosed — to his crush or to anyone at school — was that he was transgender and had transitioned at age 15. But he knew he had to tell this “charismatic acquaintance,” for what they had was flirtatious and unstoppable; it was, as Malcolm put it, physics.
As it turned out, his crush had something to share too. They dated anyway — quietly, both knowing that each day of sweetness together was drawing them closer toward the last.
Featured stories:
* “The Physics of Forbidden Love," Malcolm Conner
* “Strangers on a Train," Cecilia Pesao
Malcolm’s story was recorded by Audm. To hear more audio stories from publishers like The New York Times, download Audm for iPhone or Android.
You can find more information on t…
Oct 21, 2020
When Getting Old Never Happens
They disagreed on a lot of things: She was a “bleeding-heart liberal”; he was a “conservative libertarian.” He “came from good Irish Catholic stock”; she called herself a “hopeful agnostic.”
When the firefighter chased her down the street to ask her out, she pinned him as “a bald, white, middle-aged New York City cliché.”
On their first date, no topic was off-limits. Not racism, not abortion, not substance abuse. With each date, another debate.
Today’s episode is about the space they found in each other — and the unexpected aftermath of their breakup.
Featured stories:
* “‘Old Never Happened for Him,’” Kathryn Jarvis
* “Firefighter Chases Woman Down Street,” Marlena Brown
Marlena's story was narrated by Audm. To hear more audio stories from publishers like The New York Times, download Audm for iPhone or Android.
Oct 14, 2020
Season Premiere: Driveway Elegies
This episode contains strong language.
On the first episode of the new Modern Love podcast, we hear from two women who examine their lives through the contents of their homes — the car in the driveway, the stained teacups, the razor and shaving cream by the sink. Though easy to ignore, these everyday objects often tell a larger story.
Featured stories:
* “Bye Bye ‘Family’ Minivan," Kyrie Robinson
* “Tracking the Demise of My Marriage on Google Maps,” Maggie Smith
Maggie’s story was narrated by Audm. To hear more audio stories from publishers like The New York Times, download Audm for iPhone or Android.
You can find more information on today's episode here.
Oct 7, 2020
Welcome to the New Modern Love
Love is going to sound a little different this season. Tune into the first episode on Oct. 14, with new episodes every Wednesday.
Jun 24, 2020
Confronting Race, Religion and Her Heart | With Zawe Ashton
In this week’s essay, Lilian Oben writes about how essential it is to be seen in relationships — to be able to take up space, without being asked to change who we are. Her essay is read by Zawe Ashton ("Betrayal").
Jun 17, 2020
Why Can’t Men Say ‘I Love You’ to Each Other? | With Ncuti Gatwa
Do you tell your friends you love them? And do you say it like that, using those words? Is it easy for you to say? Is it fraught?
Ricardo Jaramillo takes those questions on in this week’s essay. It’s read by Ncuti Gatwa, who stars in “Sex Education” on Netflix.
Jun 10, 2020
Race Wasn't An Issue To Him, Which Was An Issue To Me With Lorraine Toussaint | Encore
Lorraine Toussaint ("The Glorias") reads an essay by Kim McLarin. Then, we catch up with Kim to hear how she is doing in this moment.
Jun 3, 2020
Researching Jenna, Discovering Myself | With Hasan Minhaj
Hasan Minhaj ("Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj") reads Brian Goedde's essay about a man investigating his own breakup.
May 27, 2020
The Language Of Love With Saoirse Ronan | Encore
Saoirse Ronan ("Little Women") reads an essay about how a language barrier impacts the relationship between a young woman and an Iraqi doctor. This is an encore presentation.
May 20, 2020
How ‘Lolita’ Freed Me From My Own Humbert | With Jameela Jamil
"Lolita," Vladimir Nabokov’s novel about a man’s sexual obsession with a young girl, is famously controversial. But when Bindu Bansinath started to read it, it unexpectedly became a kind of road map for her, showing her a way out of the situation she was in.
Jameela Jamil ("I Weigh") reads her piece.
May 12, 2020
Alone In A Pandemic
Living alone can be liberating, maddening, joyful ... lonely. It also might feel very different today than it did several months ago.
This episode features stories from people who live alone, telling us how they are doing right now.
May 6, 2020
To Fall In Love With Anyone, Do This | Encore
If you're running out of things to do at home — or if you just need a break from stress and worry — we have a suggestion. Listen to this week's episode featuring Gillian Jacobs and Mandy Len Catron, and then try the 36 questions that (may) lead to love.
You can find the 36 questions here: https://nyti.ms/2SFbICi
Apr 29, 2020
Years Ago, My Sister Vanished. I See Her Whenever I Want. | With Daisy Edgar-Jones
Daisy Edgar-Jones (Hulu's "Normal People") reads Kyleigh Leddy's essay, about the online presence people leave behind.
Apr 22, 2020
Sometimes It's Not You, Or The Math | With Laura Prepon
What if all the conventional wisdom about why you are single is wrong? Laura Prepon ("You And I, As Mothers") reads Sara Eckel's essay.
Apr 15, 2020
Your Stories of Love During The Pandemic: Part II
We hear more of your stories about how the COVID-19 outbreak has changed your relationships with one another.
Apr 9, 2020
Modern Love Presents: Sugar Calling
Modern Love presents an excerpt of the first episode of “Sugar Calling." Hear Cheryl Strayed in conversation with the author George Saunders, her old friend and mentor from graduate school.
Apr 8, 2020
Somewhere Inside, a Path to Empathy | With Daniel Radcliffe
When you’re in a new relationship, you’re always trying to present your best self. But anyone who’s been in a relationship for awhile knows that you can’t keep the act up forever.
David Finch writes about that in his essay, which is read by Daniel Radcliffe. Daniel stars in the upcoming "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" interactive special on Netflix.
Apr 1, 2020
Your Stories of Love During The Pandemic
Listeners share stories of how their relationships have changed during the coronavirus outbreak.
Mar 25, 2020
How Bibliophiles Flirt | With Uzo Aduba
There's something wonderful about sharing your favorite books with the person you're falling in love with. And Karla Derus was a longtime book lover, dating a man who was also a big reader. But Karla also had a secret.
Emmy-winning actress Uzo Aduba ("Mrs. America") reads Karla's essay.
Mar 18, 2020
When Your Greatest Romance Is A Friendship | Encore
Ali Fazal ("Victoria and Abul") tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a man and his elderly neighbor. This is an encore presentation.
Mar 13, 2020
Modern Love Presents: Shipwrecked
Could you use a little extra comfort and love from afar right now? We thought so. We're sharing an episode of another WBUR podcast, "Endless Thread." This is a story about processing grief, and where we turn when the people closest to us don't seem to know what to do or say to help us move forward.
If you enjoy this episode, subscribe to "Endless Thread" wherever you get your podcasts. More info here: https://smarturl.it/endlessthread
Mar 11, 2020
Recognizing What They Had, 20 Years Too Late | With Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Gugu Mbatha-Raw ("The Morning Show," "Misbehaviour") reads an essay about a friendship between two people who meet in a pub in Notting Hill.
Mar 4, 2020
The Kindness, And Xanax, Of Strangers | With Lesley Manville
Lesley Manville ("Ordinary Love") reads an essay by Sally Hoskins about finding an unexpected support group in a hospital waiting room.
Feb 26, 2020
I Saw A Playhouse, My Daughter Saw A Jail | With Brian Cox
Brian Cox (HBO's "Succession") reads an essay about a father grappling with how to protect his child, but also let her live her life.
Feb 19, 2020
Just For Tonight, Pretend You Don't Know Me | With Nick Kroll
What if you had to pretend your partner was a stranger for a day? Would you fall in love again? Nick Kroll ("Olympic Dreams") reads Tim Kreider's essay.
Feb 14, 2020
Tiny Love Stories For Valentine's Day
This Valentine's Day, we're bringing you an episode made up of Tiny Love Stories — stories told in no more than 100 words.
Feb 12, 2020
When Cupid Is A Prying Journalist | With Susan Kelechi Watson
Susan Kelechi Watson (NBC's "This Is Us," "A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood") reads Deborah Copaken's essay about how a lost love leads to an unexpected connection years later.
Feb 5, 2020
Dedicated To Two Women | With Terry Crews
Terry Crews ("Brooklyn Nine-Nine") reads an essay by Brendan Halpin, about trying to find love again after loss.
Jan 29, 2020
A Role I Was Born To Play | With Tan France
Tan France ("Queer Eye," "Next in Fashion") reads an essay by Evan James, about a man finding his role within his family.
Jan 22, 2020
My Secret Left Me Unable To Help | With Jessalyn Gilsig
Love is about trust. But have you ever been tempted to breach that trust? To read someone's diary, check their text messages, or read their emails? Jessalyn Gilsig reads an essay by Joyce Maynard about facing that temptation.
Jan 15, 2020
Take Me As I Am, Whoever I Am With Rebecca Hall | Encore
Rebecca Hall who stars in the upcoming movie "The Night House," reads a story about dating -- while manic. This is an encore presentation.
Jan 8, 2020
Need To Find Me? Ask My Ham Man. | With Jenny Slate
Jenny Slate ("Stage Fright," "Little Weirds") reads an essay by Catherine Down about the family you find when living far from home.
Jan 1, 2020
An Interlude Of Clarity With Judd Apatow | Encore
Director Judd Apatow reads an essay about a date that goes very wrong. This is an encore presentation.
Dec 24, 2019
The Race Grows Sweeter With Mary Chapin Carpenter | Encore
Singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter reads a story by Eve Pell, about finding new love later in life. This is an encore presentation.
Dec 18, 2019
Nursing A Wound With Jake Gyllenhaal | Encore
Jake Gyllenhaal ("Stronger") tells the story of a man recovering from heartbreak in a pediatrics wing.
Dec 11, 2019
Are You My Husband? | With Renée Elise Goldsberry
Renée Elise Goldsberry ("Waves") reads an essay about a woman and her husband navigating the aftermath of his traumatic brain injury.
Dec 4, 2019
Never Tell Our Business To Strangers | With Ruth Wilson
"Never tell our business to strangers." That's what Jennifer Mascia was told growing up. But it wasn't until she was an adult that she learned the reason why.
Ruth Wilson (HBO's "His Dark Materials") reads Jennifer's essay about discovering a dark family secret.
Nov 27, 2019
Who's Allowed To Hold Hands? | With Alicia Keys
"I’ve noticed that there is a strange hierarchy of handholding that dictates who gets to express physical affection without repercussions," Nicole Dennis-Benn writes in this week's Modern Love story. It's read by 15-time Grammy Award winning artist Alicia Keys, whose new single is called "Show Me Love."
Nov 20, 2019
Sharing A Cab, And My Toes With Greta Gerwig | Encore
Greta Gerwig ("Little Women") reads Julia Anne Miller's essay, about sharing an unusual cab ride in New York City. This is an encore presentation.
Nov 15, 2019
Modern Love Presents: Kind World
We want to introduce you to another podcast we think you might love, called Kind World. It features stories of life-changing acts of kindness. And this week's story features a story from the US/ Mexico border.
Nov 13, 2019
Waiting For The Wall To Crumble | With Kelly McCreary
Kelly McCreary ("Grey's Anatomy") reads an essay about a chance meeting on a bus that leads to a decades-long relationship.
Nov 6, 2019
The Triangle's Sharpest Point | With Zawe Ashton
We make decisions every day that shape our lives in small ways. But it's rare to face a real crossroads — a choice between living one life, and living another that's entirely different.
Zawe Ashton ("Betrayal") reads an essay by Ingrid Maitland, who writes about making a choice like that.
Oct 30, 2019
We'll Meet Again In Five Years | With Regina King
Regina King (HBO's "Watchmen") reads an essay by a woman who thinks she's met the right person for her — several years too early.
Oct 23, 2019
Words With (I Wish We Were More Than) Friends | With Ben Platt
When he was working in Nevada, Justin Race met a woman he thought was perfect for him. The only problem? They had only ever talked to each other through Words With Friends.
Justin's essay is read by Tony-winning actor Ben Platt, who stars in the new show "The Politician" on Netflix.
Oct 16, 2019
He's Going Back To His Former Wife. Sort Of. | With Marisa Tomei
Marisa Tomei ("The Rose Tattoo") reads an essay by Judith Newman about a woman fulfilling her husband's unusual dying wish.
Oct 9, 2019
Rallying To Keep The Game Alive | Live At CitySpace
In 2013, Ann Leary wrote an essay about a rough patch in her marriage. We turned it into an episode of the Modern Love Podcast. And now, Ann's story been adapted for television.
In this episode, we revisit actress Connie Nielsen's performance of Ann's essay. Then, we'll hear a live conversation between Ann, Modern Love editor Daniel Jones, and podcast producer Caitlin O'Keefe. They talk about what happened next for Ann and her husband, and what it was like for Ann to have her essay adapted for the Modern Love television show.
Oct 2, 2019
How 30 Blocks Became 30 Years | With Peter Sarsgaard
Peter Sarsgaard ("The Sound of Silence") reads an essay about the relationship between a man with spinal muscular atrophy and his wife of more than 30 years.
Sep 25, 2019
First I Met My Children, Then My Girlfriend. They’re Related. | With Kal Penn
When Aaron Long donated sperm twenty-five years ago, he didn't realize that one day he would discover that he had ten biological children. But that's what happened when he signed up for 23andMe.
Kal Penn stars in the NBC comedy "Sunnyside". He reads Aaron's essay.
Sep 18, 2019
Screens Between Us With Issa Rae | Encore
Issa Rae reads an essay about the intimacy and distance synonymous with online dating.
Sep 11, 2019
The Tallest Man I Ever Loved | With Andrew Rannells
Andrew Rannells has been nominated for two Tony Awards. He starred in HBO's "Girls." But before any of that, he was just like a lot of 20-somethings — trying to make his career happen, and dreaming about his perfect boyfriend.
Sep 4, 2019
Seeing The World Through My Wife's Eyes With David Oyelowo | Encore
"Don't Let Go" star David Oyelowo reads an essay about a blind man navigating his marriage. This is an encore presentation.
Aug 28, 2019
My Platonic Romance On The Psych Ward | With Miriam Shor
This week's essay is about a deep, enduring friendship that starts in an unlikely place. Jeannie Vanasco writes about her relationship with a woman named Anita in her essay, "My Platonic Romance on the Psych Ward."
It's read by actress and director Miriam Shor, who stars in TV Land’s “Younger" and the upcoming Netflix film "Lost Girls."
Aug 21, 2019
Despite The Losses, So Much Gained | With Marsha Stephanie Blake
When people first come into our lives, it's impossible to know how important they'll become. Leah Keith writes about a man who came to matter a great deal to her in her essay, which is read by Marsha Stephanie Blake ("When They See Us")
Aug 14, 2019
In A Charmed Life, A Road Less Traveled | With Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau ("Game of Thrones") reads an essay about a man's long relationship with his wife — before and after a car accident that changed their lives.
Aug 7, 2019
The Night Girl Finds A Day Boy | With Logan Browning
A lot of things can get in the way of love -- distance, money issues, being in different places in your life. But this week's essayist, Amanda Gefter, writes about facing a very different kind of challenge.
It's read by Logan Browning (Netflix's "Dear White People").
Jul 31, 2019
Could We Try Again? | With Marcia Cross
If Meredith Hall had to point to the year that her life changed, she would probably say that it was 1965. She was sixteen that year, and pregnant with a son.
But more than two decades later, in 1987, her life changed again -- and that's the year she writes about in her essay. It's read by Marcia Cross ("Desperate Housewives," "Quantico").
Jul 24, 2019
He's Playing Our Song | With Amanda Seyfried
High school love is awkward, nervous -- and often unforgettable. It doesn't usually last. But in this week's essay, Mariclare Lawson writes about a high school love that broke all the rules.
It's read by Amanda Seyfried ("The Art of Racing in the Rain.")
Jul 17, 2019
At What Age Is Love Enthralling? | With Jessica Walter
Jessica Walter ("Archer," "Arrested Development") reads an essay by Sophy Burnham about how an unexpected encounter makes her consider how love and desire change with age.
Jul 10, 2019
A Tattoo For The Living | With Zosia Mamet
Alana Dakin writes about two different tattoos in her essay "A Tattoo for the Living", which is read by Zosia Mamet ("Tales of the City.")
Jul 3, 2019
An Empty Heart | With Zoe Lister-Jones | Encore
Zoe Lister-Jones (CBS's "Life in Pieces," "Band-Aid") reads renowned novelist Lily King's story about the silver lining of heartbreak.
Jun 26, 2019
An Affection Multiplier | With Zachary Quinto
Can a tiny dog change the dynamics of a marriage? Zachary Quinto ("NOS4A2") reads Bob Morris's essay.
Jun 19, 2019
Platonic, Until Death Do Us Part | With John Cameron Mitchell
What do you do when you're struggling to find a romantic relationship as deep as the relationship you have with your best friend? John Cameron Mitchell ("Anthem: Homunculus") reads Ephi Stempler's essay about a man considering a platonic life partnership.
Jun 12, 2019
Encore | The Doorman With Cecily Strong
Saturday Night Live's Cecily Strong reads a story about a woman's friendship with her doorman. This is an encore presentation.
Jun 5, 2019
Misery Loves Fried Chicken | With William Jackson Harper
How have you gotten through your worst breakups? Tinder? New hobbies? Cheap alcohol? Wallowing in Taylor Swift albums?
William Jackson Harper ("The Good Place," "Midsommar") is back to read Mark McDevitt's piece about two breakup buddies.
May 29, 2019
What Luck Means Now | With Jacki Weaver
What does luck mean to you? And how does that change depending on your circumstances? That's what Joyce Maynard writes about in this week's essay. It's read by two-time Academy Award nominee Jacki Weaver ("Perpetual Grace, LTD").
May 22, 2019
We Survived The Storm | With Ginnifer Goodwin
When you're dealing with a tragedy, it can feel like you would do anything for an ordinary day. But those ordinary days can come with their own complications. Ginnifer Goodwin ("The Twilight Zone") reads Monica Wesolowska's essay.
May 15, 2019
The Wisdom Of The Moving Man | With Lake Bell
When we take stock of the people who matter most to us, there are the spouses, the family members, the best friends, the partners. And then there are the people who aren’t any of those things, but who change our lives anyway.
Emily Raboteau's essay is about one of those people. It's read by Lake Bell ("Bless this Mess.")
May 8, 2019
Agreeing To Accept And Move On | With Sarah Goldberg
Under normal circumstances, trying to find love can be challenging -- and stressful. And for Elizabeth Koster, the pressure was even more intense. Sarah Goldberg (HBO's "Barry") reads Elizabeth's essay.
May 1, 2019
Love Means Never Having To Say ... Anything | With Pedro Pascal
Love thrives on good communication. It can take many forms -- but what happens when you suddenly lose what was once your primary means of communication? Pedro Pascal ("King Lear," "Game of Thrones") reads Jamison's essay.
Apr 24, 2019
Talking to My Fiancé About My New Girlfriend | With DeWanda Wise
What happens when you know you want to marry someone, but you are also are falling in love with someone else? Is there a way for you to have everything?
Sophie Lucido Johnson's essay is read by DeWanda Wise ("She's Gotta Have It").
Apr 17, 2019
Race Wasn't An Issue To Him, Which Was An Issue To Me | With Lorraine Toussaint
Interracial relationships come with their own complexities, and there are a lot of questions that come up. Questions like: How does your partner think about race? How do you talk about it? What works, and what doesn't?
Kim McLarin writes about race and dating in her piece, which is read by Lorraine Toussaint ("The Village").
Apr 10, 2019
Encore | Sharing The Shame With Anna Chlumsky
Anna Chlumsky ("Veep") reads Brooks Rinehart's essay, on 90 days that changed the entire course of one family's life.
Apr 3, 2019
Ah, To Be Old, Male, And Single | With Natasha Lyonne
When it comes to dating, Amy Cohen says this: "We all need to be reincarnated as an older Jewish man with an apartment on the Upper East Side.” Natasha Lyonne ("Russian Doll") reads Amy's essay about the difference between her 76-year-old father's dating life and her own.
Mar 27, 2019
Comfort, If Not A Cure | With Nazanin Boniadi
How much can you give of yourself before it’s too much? And what do you do when you reach your limit? Nazanin Boniadi ("Hotel Mumbai") reads Tara Ebrahimi's essay.
Mar 20, 2019
Another Voice Had Come Between Us | With Catherine O'Hara
Catherine O'Hara ("Schitt's Creek") reads Patricia Morrisroe's essay, about a piece of technology that complicates a marriage.
Mar 13, 2019
Refreshing A Mother's Memory With Love | With Zoe Saldana
Dementia can alter someone's personality and change how how they interact with the world. But sometimes, it can also lead to moments of profound connection.
Jenny McPhee writes about one of those moments in her piece, which is read by Zoe Saldana.
Mar 6, 2019
Playing Role Reversal With My Therapist | With Isabelle Huppert
Therapists' offices are supposed to be places where you can be both vulnerable and safe. But what happens when your therapist crosses a line? That happened to Julianna Baggott -- and she writes about it an an essay that's read by Isabelle Huppert ("Greta").
Feb 27, 2019
Security In A Bright Yellow Suitcase | With Christina Hendricks
You know the phase. The one when you're going back and forth between your place and your partner's, and you have to bring all your stuff with you.
But when is it time to make a change? Deanna Clevesy's essay is read by Christina Hendricks ("Good Girls").
Feb 20, 2019
Your Dog Has Seen Me Naked | With William Jackson Harper
Have you ever dated someone living in a studio apartment with a pet? If so, how did you handle the logistics around sex?
Ryan Pfeffer writes about how he dealt with that situation in his essay, which was performed by William Jackson Harper ("The Good Place") in front of a live audience at the Huntington Avenue Theatre in Boston.
Feb 13, 2019
Part II: My Wife Said You May Want to Marry Me | With André Holland
Last week, you heard an essay by Amy Krouse Rosenthal -- "You May Want to Marry my Husband." It was published just days before she died of ovarian cancer.
Today, André Holland of "High Flying Bird" reads the essay her husband Jason wrote in response last summer, and we hear from Jason himself about how he's doing today.
Feb 6, 2019
Part I: You May Want to Marry My Husband
Debra Winger reads the late Amy Krouse Rosenthal's essay about her fairytale love story, which was cut short by cancer. This is an encore presentation.
Jan 30, 2019
Oscars Playlist
We're celebrating the 91st Academy Awards by revisiting two of our favorite episodes featuring nominated actors. We'll hear pieces read by Rachel Weisz of "The Favourite," and Willem Dafoe, of "At Eternity's Gate."
Jan 23, 2019
Rallying To Keep The Game Alive | With Connie Nielsen
It's easy to single out the biggest decisions in a life. But this week's essay by Ann Leary is about little choices, that you might not think about very much in the moment, that end up slowly changing everything. It's read by Connie Nielsen ("I Am the Night").
Jan 16, 2019
A Kiss Deferred | With Joanna Kulig
Nikolina Kulidzan was twelve years old when she fell in love for the first time. Not long after, the Bosnian War changed her life forever. Her essay is read by Joanna Kulig ("Cold War").
Jan 9, 2019
What The Sea Took Away | With Carmen Ejogo
How do you talk to your children about loss? What secrets do you keep, and for how long? And when do you decide to tell them everything? Emily Listfield faces those questions in her essay, read by Carmen Ejogo ("True Detective.")
Jan 2, 2019
Maternal Wisdom (5 Pounds' Worth) | With Gillian Anderson
When you think back to sex ed class, it's not hard to come up with a couple of memories that might have scarred you for life. But actor Gillian Anderson reads an essay that shows it can be equally scarring for the parents.
Dec 26, 2018
Modern Love Holiday Playlist
Happy Holidays from all of us at Modern Love! We will be back with brand new episodes in 2019, but today, we're bringing you a playlist of our favorite holiday episodes from the past two years.
Dec 19, 2018
I Will Be Your Mother Figure | Encore
When people ask for advice, do they really want to hear what you have to say? Sometimes it's hardest to find a friend who can give just a simple, sympathetic ear.
Actor Laura Dern takes us deep into a friendship that experienced a unique evolution. This is an encore presentation.
Dec 12, 2018
The Shirt Stays On | With Finn Wittrock
Getting undressed in front of your partner can be really hard. And for Jameson Rich, is was even more complicated. He writes about it in his piece, which is read by Finn Wittrock ("Write When You Get Work").
Dec 5, 2018
A Young Man's Game | With Stanley Tucci
When Rand Richards Cooper was in his 40s, he was faced with a question: How late is too late to first become a dad? He writes about it in his essay, which is read by Stanley Tucci ("A Private War").
Nov 28, 2018
On A Serpentine Road | With Michelle Rodriguez
How do we choose what to hold onto from loved ones after they've died? Doris Iarovici asks that question in her essay, which is read by Michelle Rodriguez ("Widows").
Nov 21, 2018
A Forgotten Prayer, Answered | With Mira Sorvino
When Charlotte Bacon went to a temple in Bhutan, the place unlocked feelings in her that she hadn't truly realized were there. Her essay is read by Mira Sorvino ("StartUp").
Nov 14, 2018
Maddy Just Might Work | Encore
Jennifer Finney Boylan -- an accomplished writer, academic and activist -- reads her own essay about coming out as transgender to her two young sons. This is an encore episode.
Nov 6, 2018
How To Break Up With A 2-Year-Old | With Busy Philipps
We cross paths with so many people in our lives -- but only a few of them truly change the direction we thought we were headed in. Busy Philipps ("Busy Tonight") reads Laurie Sandell's piece, about the little girl who changed her path.
Oct 31, 2018
An Ancient Coda To My 21st-Century Divorce | With Amy Landecker
After a divorce, it can feel like the last thing you want to do is revisit the past. But a ritual forced Cindy Chupack to do just that, in an essay read by actor Amy Landecker.
Oct 24, 2018
In The Waiting Room Of Estranged Spouses | Encore
Lance Reddick, best known as Lt. Cedric Daniels on HBO's "The Wire," reads a story about infidelity and healing.
Oct 17, 2018
I Was Hardly a Perfect Fit | With John C. Reilly
Tim Elhajj was a divorced dad who was desperate to connect with his son -- and went about it in an unconventional way. His essay is read by John C. Reilly (The Sisters Brothers).
Oct 10, 2018
The Plain, Unmarked Box Arrived | With Kristen Bell
Would you buy a sex chair? Well, Lori Jakiela did -- and she writes about the chair, and the misadventures involved in trying to use it, in an essay that's read by Kristen Bell ("The Good Place.")
Oct 3, 2018
Escaping From A Dire Diagnosis On Match.com | With Rita Wilson
Would you start online dating just to make your best friend feel better? Author Victoria Redel did that, and she writes about in her piece, which is read by actor and singer Rita Wilson ("Bigger Picture").
Sep 26, 2018
A Life Plan For Two | With Olivia Munn
Some crushes are brief: the guy at the gym, the girl on Twitter, your barista. But others are epic -- and take on a life of their own. Olivia Munn ("The Predator") reads Marina Shifrin's essay.
Sep 21, 2018
Bonus: 81 Minutes
We’re back in your feed to share a project we think you’ll love. It’s a new podcast called “Last Seen,” about the largest unsolved art heist in history -- the theft of thirteen irreplaceable pieces of art from Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardner museum.
Sep 19, 2018
Making A Judgment On Love | With Giancarlo Esposito
On a normal day in 2004, Lloyd Zimmerman got the chance to fulfill a man's dying wish. Giancarlo Esposito ("Better Call Saul") reads his piece, about the complications of a last request.
Sep 12, 2018
Learning Humanity From Dogs | With Ethan Hawke
Ethan Hawke ("Blaze") reads an essay about how lonely it can be at rock bottom -- and how sometimes, taking care of someone else is the only way out.
Sep 4, 2018
Modern Love Playlist: In Sickness And In Health
This playlist episode features stories about people whose relationships were challenged by illness -- and where the promise to stand by each other "in sickness and in health" was tested. It features stories read by Michael Shannon, Sarah Silverman, Chris Messina, Rebecca Hall, and Patina Miller.
Aug 24, 2018
Modern Love Playlist: Secrets
It can feel easier to leave things unspoken than to find the right words to explain ourselves. But sooner or later, the things we keep from each other can come to define our relationships. This edition of Modern Love features a playlist of three of our favorite episodes about secrets, read by Danielle Brooks, Cynthia Nixon, and Uma Thurman.
Aug 21, 2018
The Secret To Marriage | With Sandra Oh
Communication. Respect. Intimacy. Doing the dishes. Those are all things that have been called the secret to marriage. But Gabrielle Zevin has a different idea. Sandra Oh ("Killing Eve") reads her piece.
Aug 17, 2018
Bonus: Test of Time
We know you appreciate a good love story ... so we're bringing you two stories of relationships that have stood the test of time, from another podcast from WBUR, called "Endless Thread." Hear the story of the couple featured in an iconic photo from Woodstock, and one about a relationship that started with a note sent in second grade.
Aug 15, 2018
Single Woman Seeking Manwich | With Awkwafina
Let's face it. With the ghosting, inappropriate comments, and awkward small talk ... dating can be so bad it's hilarious. Awkwafina ("Crazy Rich Asians," "Oceans Eight") reads Sarah Moses's essay.
Aug 8, 2018
When Mothers Bully Back | With Ellie Kemper
The emotions of parenting can feel completely out of control sometimes. Whether it's love, joy ... or, occasionally, rage. Susan Perabo writes about them in her essay, which is read by Ellie Kemper ("Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt").
Aug 1, 2018
GPS For My Lost Identity | With Diane Guerrero
Sometimes, our deepest loves aren't people at all -- they're the places that make us feel most like ourselves. Laura Dave tells a story about one of those places in her essay, which is read by Diane Guerrero ("Orange is the New Black").
Jul 25, 2018
Superheroes, Just for Each Other | With Mike Colter
Peter Goodman thought that he could fix any problem by sweeping his wife off her feet. But when his daughter was born, that strategy failed him. His essay is read by Mike Colter ("Luke Cage.")
Jul 17, 2018
A Hiker’s Guide to Healing | With Cameron Esposito
Aspen Matis decided to hike the Pacific Crest Trail because she was looking for solitude, safety, and escape. She writes about what she found there in her essay, read by actor and comic Cameron Esposito.
Jul 11, 2018
Catfishing Strangers To Find Myself | With Cory Michael Smith
As a teenager in Finland, Kalle Oskari Mattila was trying to figure out who he was. For help, he turned to Pamela Anderson. Cory Michael Smith ("1985," "Gotham") performed his story live at the Provincetown Film Festival.
Jul 3, 2018
My Back-Seat View Of A Great Romance | With Chloë Grace Moretz
"What did it mean that the most romantic thing I’d ever been a part of hadn’t even happened to me?" Chloë Grace Moretz ("The Miseducation of Cameron Post") reads Rachel Monroe's essay about watching a love story unfold from the sidelines.
Jun 27, 2018
Encore | Between The Bars
Joshua Jackson ("The Affair") reads a story about life and love after 26 months in Iran's Evin Prison. This is an encore presentation.
Jun 20, 2018
The Hunter-Gatherer, Parking Division | With Jason Alexander
The challenge of finding the perfect partner is matched only by the challenge of finding the perfect parking space in New York City. Jason Alexander ("Seinfeld") reads Andy Raskin's essay, about the search for love and parking in Chinatown.
Jun 13, 2018
Finding My Own Rescuer | With Mandy Moore
Mandy Moore ("This Is Us") reads Anna March's essay about disability, ability, and the misconceptions surrounding both.
Jun 6, 2018
A Fear Stripped Bare | With Sarah Shahi
When she was growing up, Susan Sajadi thought that her mother was fearless. It wasn't until years later that she realized the truth was much more complicated. Her piece is read by Sarah Shahi, who stars in NBC's "Reverie."
May 30, 2018
Love Stories In 13 Words | Modern Love Bonus Episode
For the 13th anniversary of the Modern Love column, readers sent in their love stories, told in just 13 words. More than 9,000 were submitted. We put together an episode featuring some of our favorites.
May 29, 2018
Modern Love Encore | Marry A Man Who Loves His Mother
Constance Wu of the ABC comedy "Fresh Off The Boat" reads a story about a wife, a mother-in-law and the unlikely story that brought them together.
May 23, 2018
The Language Of Love | With Saoirse Ronan
Saoirse Ronan ("On Chesil Beach") reads an essay about how a language barrier impacts the relationship between a young woman and an Iraqi doctor.
May 16, 2018
A Measure of Desire | With Kim Dickens
Sometimes it's the things that go unspoken in a relationship that are the most important. Andrea Jarrell found that out not long after moving to Maine with her husband -- and she writes about it in her piece, read by Kim Dickens ("Fear the Walking Dead").
May 9, 2018
When Eve And Eve Bit The Apple | With Rachel Weisz
Kristen Scharold was an evangelical Christian who was starting to look for a husband. Then, a new relationship caused a crisis of faith. Rachel Weisz ("Disobedience") reads Kristen's essay.
May 2, 2018
Signs, Wonders, and Fates Fulfilled | With Linda Cardellini
After Stephanie Saldaña moved to an ancient monastery in Syria, she thought she'd found her calling. But when she met a novice monk there, she had to rethink everything. Linda Cardellini ("Bloodline") reads Stephanie's essay.
Apr 25, 2018
Boy, What A Fabulous Baker | With Abbi Jacobson
Abbi Jacobson ("6 Balloons," "Broad City") reads an essay about a carboholic who falls for a baker -- and his bread.
Apr 18, 2018
A Cup From The Fountain Of Youth | With Mel Rodriguez
When you're at a bar and someone starts paying more attention to you than you expect -- how do you react? Mel Rodriguez ("Overboard," "The Last Man on Earth") reads Andy Christie's essay, about trying to navigate an unexpected flirtation.
Apr 11, 2018
A Brother As Significant As Any Other | With Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman
Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman ("UnREAL") tells the story of the deep friendship between an older and younger brother.
Apr 4, 2018
R We D8ting? | With Krysten Ritter
What happens to relationships when they play out entirely over text? Krysten Ritter ("Jessica Jones") reads Sandra Barron's essay, about the miscommunications that can come with text message flirtation.
Mar 27, 2018
Modern Love Encore: The Boy Who Makes Waves
In this encore, Mykelti Williamson ("Chicago P.D.") reads an essay about a father's complicated love for his son.
Mar 21, 2018
The Accidental Older Woman | With Rosie Perez
When does it work to date younger? Rosie Perez, of NBC's "Rise," reads Robin Grearson's essay, about negotiating a relationship with a big age gap.
Mar 14, 2018
When A Couch Is More Than A Couch | With Kate Winslet
Kate Winslet reads Nina Riggs's essay, about an overwhelming diagnosis -- and a search for the perfect living room couch.
Mar 7, 2018
A Fighting Chance | With Bobby Cannavale
Bobby Cannavale ("Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle," "Mr. Robot") reads Dominick Zarrillo's essay about a father's unconditional love for his son.
Feb 28, 2018
From He To She In First Grade | With Jennifer Beals
Jennifer Beals ("Taken") reads Laurie Frankel's essay, about facing a challenging parenting dilemma.
Feb 21, 2018
The Accident No One Talked About | With Uma Thurman
Uma Thurman ("The Parisian Woman") reads Jessica Ciencin Henriquez's essay, about the silence that grew in the aftermath of a terrible accident.
Feb 13, 2018
Overfed On A Mother's Affection | With Kumail Nanjiani and Emily Gordon
Kumail Nanjiani and Emily Gordon ("The Big Sick") tell the story of how a mother's cooking comes between a husband and wife.
Feb 7, 2018
Missing A Father I Hardly Knew | With Willem Dafoe
Willem Dafoe ("The Florida Project") reads Bruce Eric Kaplan's essay, about waiting for a hilarious secret to be revealed.
Jan 31, 2018
Modern Love 100: Your Stories
We celebrate the 100th episode of Modern Love: The Podcast by listening to your stories, and the moments from our first 99 episodes that meant the most to you.
Jan 24, 2018
A Dose Of Empathy | With Andrea Martin
Andrea Martin ("Great News") reads Randi Davenport's essay, about a relationship that she says saved her life.
Jan 16, 2018
In My Fantasy, I Caught Up To Reality | With Richard Jenkins
Richard Jenkins ("The Shape of Water") reads John Gfroerer's essay about going to the gym to cope with loss.
Jan 10, 2018
Yes, We Do. Even At Our Age. | With Lois Smith
Lois Smith ("Marjorie Prime," "Lady Bird") reads an essay about passion in the golden years.
Jan 3, 2018
In The New Year, More Cuddling | With Margarita Levieva
Margarita Levieva ("The Deuce") reads Kristine Lloyd's essay, about making a New Year's resolution to attend a cuddle party.
Dec 26, 2017
Sharing A Cab, And My Toes | With Greta Gerwig
Greta Gerwig ("Lady Bird") reads Julia Anne Miller's essay, about sharing an unusual cab ride in New York City.
Dec 20, 2017
How The 'Dining Dead' Got Talking Again | With Kristin Scott Thomas
Kristin Scott Thomas ("Darkest Hour") reads an essay about a woman worried that she and her husband might have nothing left to talk about.
Dec 13, 2017
Was I On A Date Or Baby-Sitting? | With Sasheer Zamata
Julie Klausner tells the story of dating an "indie rock dreamboat" -- who she sees as a bit of a man-child. Sasheer Zamata ("United States of Music," "Pizza Mind") reads Julie's essay.
Dec 6, 2017
A Boyfriend Too Good To Be True | With Caitriona Balfe
Caitriona Balfe ("Outlander") reads Deenie Hartzog-Mislock's essay, about an imaginary man who helps a family cope with Alzheimer's.
Nov 22, 2017
Modern Love Encore: 'A Heart Of Gold'
In this encore, Ruth Negga ("Preacher," "Loving") reads a story about the deep bond between a woman and her unusual pet.
Nov 22, 2017
We Didn't Have A Plan, But The Baby Did | With Paul Sun-Hyung Lee
Paul Sun-Hyung Lee ("Kim's Convenience") reads a story about a man improvising a birth plan.
Nov 15, 2017
Urgent Messages Go Unanswered | With Andrew Rannells
Andrew Rannells ("Girls") reads his own essay, about ignoring a string of urgent phone calls during a casual hookup.
Nov 8, 2017
A Family Fairytale, Twice Told | With Julia Stiles
Julia Stiles ("Riviera") tells the story of a woman who has a perfect New York City apartment ... and a crush on her roommate.
Nov 1, 2017
Cropped Out Of My Own Fantasy | With Kirsten Vangsness
Kirsten Vangsness ("Criminal Minds") reads an essay about a relationship where the perfect images posted online don't match the reality.
Oct 25, 2017
My Body Doesn't Belong To You | With Cleopatra Coleman
Cleopatra Coleman ("The Last Man On Earth," "White Famous") reads an essay about a woman claiming ownership over her own body.
Oct 18, 2017
Let's Not Pretend | With Kimberly Hébert Gregory
Kimberly Hébert Gregory ("Kevin (Probably) Saves the World," "Vice Principals") reads an essay about an attempt at dirty talk gone awry.
Oct 11, 2017
My Husband Is Now My Wife | With Ann Dowd
Ann Dowd ("The Handmaid's Tale") reads Diane Daniel's essay about a woman coming to terms with her spouse's gender transition.
Oct 4, 2017
Nursing A Wound | With Jake Gyllenhaal
Jake Gyllenhaal ("Stronger") tells the story of a man recovering from heartbreak in a pediatrics wing.
Sep 27, 2017
When Your Greatest Romance Is A Friendship | With Ali Fazal
Ali Fazal ("Victoria and Abul") tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a man and his elderly neighbor.
Sep 20, 2017
One Bouquet Of Fleeting Beauty | With Kerry Bishé
Kerry Bishe ("Halt and Catch Fire," "Narcos") tells the story of one woman's unexpected awakening -- at a flower shop.
Sep 11, 2017
Emmy Edition, 2017
The 69th Primetime Emmy Awards are this weekend. To celebrate, we're looking back at two of our favorite episodes featuring nominated actors. Angela Bassett reads Marcia DeSanctis' essay, "What the Psychic Knew" and Jesse Tyler Ferguson reads Jerry Mahoney's essay, "Mom/Not Mom/Aunt."
Sep 6, 2017
Promises That Can Bend | With Peter Gallagher
Peter Gallagher ("Grace and Frankie," "The O.C.") reads the story of one man's effort to stay with his wife in sickness and in health.
Aug 30, 2017
No Bounds, Or Lanes | With Kyra Sedgwick
Love, itself, is a leap of faith. But some people take a bigger jump than others. Kyra Sedgwick (TNT's "The Closer") reads a story about a "wild ride" of a marriage.
Aug 23, 2017
Learning To Embrace Sexuality's Gray Areas | With Nico Tortorella
Nico Tortorella ("Younger") reads an essay about a college student whose ideas about love and sexuality change during the first weeks of his freshman year.
Aug 16, 2017
Dear Dad, We've Been Gay Forever | With Cynthia Nixon
Cynthia Nixon ("The Last Boy in New York," "A Quiet Passion") reads an essay about two grown siblings raised in the Mennonite church and their decision to come out to their 95-year-old father.
Aug 9, 2017
A Lost Child, But Not Mine | With Betty Gilpin
Betty Gilpin of Netflix's "G.L.O.W." reads a story about life after abortion.
Jul 27, 2017
Flowergate | With June Diane Raphael
June Diane Raphael of Netflix's "Grace and Frankie" reads a story about a flower delivery gone very, very wrong.
Jul 26, 2017
Manic Pixie Dream Girl | With Alex Karpovsky
Alex Karpovsky of HBO's "Girls" tells the story of one man's quest to turn his love life into a cinematic event.
Jul 19, 2017
I Need To Woman Up | With Cynthia Addai-Robinson
We can't control the curve balls life throws at us, but we can control how we handle them. Cynthia Addai-Robinson (USA Network's "Shooter") reads a story about choosing to face one of life's greatest challenges alone.
Jul 12, 2017
An Empty Heart | With Zoe Lister-Jones
Zoe Lister-Jones ("Band Aid," "Life in Pieces") reads renowned novelist Lily King's story about the silver lining of heartbreak.
Jul 5, 2017
Take My Son To Jail | With Jayne Atkinson
Jayne Atkinson ("House of Cards") tells the story of a mother who reluctantly uses tough love when her son refuses to follow the law.
Jun 27, 2017
Modern Love Encore: Wedding Season
It's wedding season! Kathryn Hahn ("I Love Dick") and John Cho ("Star Trek") read some of our favorite nuptial-themed essays.
Jun 21, 2017
About That Rustle In The Bushes | With Danielle Brooks
Danielle Brooks of "Orange Is The New Black" on a daughter's discovery of her father's secret investigative skills. The target? Her boyfriends.
Jun 14, 2017
Before The Web | With Griffin Dunne
Griffin Dunne of the Amazon series "I Love Dick" reads a story about how distance can make the heart grow discouragingly fonder.
Jun 7, 2017
Finding Marriage, Losing Self | With Taylor Schilling
Taylor Schilling of "Orange is the New Black" reads a story about unpacking the baggage of your past in a new relationship.
May 31, 2017
Standing By Your Man | With Chris Messina
Chris Messina of "The Mindy Project" and "The Sweet Life" reads a story that explores what it really means to stand by your partner "in sickness and in health."
May 29, 2017
Marry My Husband | With Debra Winger
Debra Winger reads the late Amy Krouse Rosenthal's essay about her fairytale love story, which was cut short by cancer.
May 24, 2017
A Slow Fade To Black | With Minnie Driver
Minnie Driver of ABC's "Speechless" tells the story of a woman whose dream life was almost complete -- until reality got in the way.
May 17, 2017
Just Don't Call Me Mom | With Gideon Glick
Mother's Day is over -- for this year. Some people really look forward to those chocolates and flowers and others write a Modern Love essay bemoaning the day's existence. Broadway actor Gideon Glick ("Spring Awakening," "Significant Other") reads.
May 10, 2017
Sharing The Shame | With Anna Chlumsky
Anna Chlumsky ("Veep") tells the story of the 90 days that changed the entire course of one family's life.
May 3, 2017
A Prince Charming For The Prom | With Tituss Burgess
Tituss Burgess, the Emmy-nominated star of the Netflix series "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," reads us a story about teenage dreams -- the good, the bad, and the prom.
Apr 26, 2017
It Took A Villain | With Melanie Lynskey
Melanie Lynskey of "Togetherness" and the new film "Little Boxes" tells the story of a neighborhood bully and the faltering marriage he inadvertently strengthened.
Apr 19, 2017
In A Small Bag | With Harry Lennix
Harry Lennix of NBC's "The Blacklist" reads the story of a couple who never saw their 22-year age difference as an issue. That is, until one of them had a heart attack.
Apr 12, 2017
A Child Of Two Worlds | With Mireille Enos
Mireille Enos of ABC's "The Catch" on one expat's decision to embrace risk, get pregnant, and according to the Somali proverb, open "the mouth to her grave."
Apr 5, 2017
I Will Be Your Mother Figure | With Laura Dern
Laura Dern of HBO's "Big Little Lies" on one priest's commitment to a parishioner in limbo.
Mar 29, 2017
Death Bear Will See You Now | With Ry Russo-Young
Ry Russo-Young, director of the new feature film "Before I Fall," tells the story of a break-up, a best friend, and a performance artist.
Mar 22, 2017
The End Of Small Talk | With Paul Rust
Paul Rust, star of the Netflix comedy hit "Love," tells the story of a man who says 'no' to conversations about traffic and weather. Even on a first date.
Mar 15, 2017
Elvis And My Husband Have Left The Building | With Malin Akerman
Malin Akerman of Showtime's "Billions" tells the story of a pair of best friends who vow to stay together forever--at least until the green card arrives.
Mar 8, 2017
Single, Female, Mormon, Alone | With Justina Machado
Justina Machado, star of the Netflix reboot "One Day At A Time," shares the story of one woman's quest to lose her virginity while at the same time finding herself.
Mar 1, 2017
Live From The Wilbur Theater (Part Two) | With Emmy Rossum
Emmy Rossum, star of the Showtime series "Shameless," performs in front of a live audience.
Feb 21, 2017
Live From The Wilbur Theater (Part One) | With Brian Tyree Henry and Alysia Reiner
Brian Tyree Henry, star of the hit FX show "Atlanta," and Alysia Reiner of "Orange is the New Black" kick off Part I of our live episode recorded live at the Wilbur Theater in Boston.
Feb 13, 2017
Modern Love: The Podcast Valentine's Special
Forget Netflix and chill. Settle in for a binge episode of Modern Love: The Podcast featuring Tony Hale ("Veep"), Gillian Jacobs ("Love"), and Colin Farrell ("The Lobster")
Feb 8, 2017
Seeing The World Through My Wife's Eyes | With David Oyelowo
"Selma" star David Oyelowo reads an essay about a blind man navigating his marriage.
Feb 1, 2017
On The Precipice, Wings Spread | With Megan Hilty
Tony-nominee Megan Hilty of "Smash" and "Noises Off" reads an essay about a couple with a seemingly perfect relationship--until the other shoe drops.
Jan 25, 2017
The Boy Who Makes Waves | With Mykelti Williamson
Mykelti Williamson of the Oscar-nominated film "Fences" reads an essay about a father's complicated love for his son.
Jan 18, 2017
Groomzilla | With John Cho
John Cho reads an essay about a groom gone bad.
Jan 11, 2017
A Family That Takes 'No' For An Answer | With Darby Stanchfield
Darby Stanchfield of ABC's "Scandal," on an ordinary family hunting trip that turns into an unexpected lesson about hope.
Jan 4, 2017
Taking A Break For Friendship | With Sela Ward
Sela Ward reads an essay about a beautiful relationship...or a friendship? Or a wanna-be friendship?
Dec 28, 2016
Modern Love Encore: 'A Millennial's Guide To Kissing'
In this encore, Emmy Rossum reads an essay about the complexities of millennial love.
Dec 21, 2016
Beware Of Big Boxes | With Pamela Adlon
Pamela Adlon of the FX series "Better Things" reads an essay about the dangers of romanticizing romantics.
Dec 14, 2016
Two Decembers | With Haydn Gwynne
Tony-nominated actor Haydn Gwynne reads about one woman's quest to reclaim one of the hardest days of her life--her birthday.
Dec 7, 2016
Modern Love Encore: 'Friends Without Benefits'
Taissa Farmiga shares a story of friendship and a love never reciprocated. This is an encore presentation.
Nov 30, 2016
DJ's Homeless Mommy | With Dan Savage
Dan Savage reads his own Modern Love essay about his son's birth mother--and her troubling path.
Nov 23, 2016
Fractured Beauty | With Molly Ringwald
Molly Ringwald reads an essay about a family vacation -- after divorce.
Nov 16, 2016
Out Of The Darkness | With Mark Duplass
Filmmaker Mark Duplass reads an essay about a husband who never thought "for worse" could get so bad.
Nov 9, 2016
A Heart Of Gold | With Ruth Negga
Ruth Negga, star of new drama "Loving," shares a story about the intimate connection between a woman and her unlikely pet.
Nov 2, 2016
Screens Between Us | With Issa Rae
Issa Rae, star of the new HBO comedy "Insecure," reads an essay about the intimacy and distance synonymous with online dating.
Oct 26, 2016
Modern Love Live at Town Hall
David Harbour of Netflix's "Stranger Things" is featured in this week's excerpt from the New York City production Modern Love Live. He reads the essay, "Out From Under the Influence."
Oct 18, 2016
Take Me As I Am, Whoever I Am | With Rebecca Hall
Rebecca Hall who stars in the new drama "Christine," reads a story about dating -- while manic.
Oct 12, 2016
Marry A Man Who Loves His Mother | With Constance Wu
Constance Wu of the ABC comedy "Fresh Off The Boat" reads a story about a wife, a mother-in-law and the unlikely story that brought them together.
Oct 5, 2016
A Path To Fatherhood | With Dash Mihok
Actor Dash Mihok of Showtime's "Ray Donovan," shares a story about a man, his diagnosis, and his unborn baby.
Sep 28, 2016
The Wedding Toast | With Kathryn Hahn
Kathryn Hahn reads a story about a fantasy wedding toast -- and why it will never be delivered.
Sep 21, 2016
Modern Love Bonus Episode: Emmy Edition
It's Emmy Edition at Modern Love! This week, we hear from three Emmy-award winning readers: Sarah Paulson, Sterling K. Brown, and Tony Hale.
Sep 14, 2016
Revenge of the Friend | With Kristin Chenoweth
Kristin Chenoweth, the Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor and singer, reads a story about a revenge fantasy coming true.
Sep 7, 2016
Kept Together By The Bars Between Us | With Cherry Jones
Cherry Jones, the Tony, Emmy, and Obie-Award winning actor, reads a story about a woman who falls in love with a convicted murderer.
Aug 28, 2016
Modern Love Bonus Episode: Near-Death Experiences
Modern Love listeners share their stories of near-death experiences and how they altered the course of their lives.
Aug 26, 2016
What The Psychic Knew | With Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett, the Oscar and Emmy Award-nominated actor, reads a story about a psychic and a sickness.
Aug 24, 2016
My First Son, A Pure Memory | With Sterling K. Brown
Emmy-nominated actor Sterling K. Brown reads an essay about a new dad and his emotional journey toward fatherhood.
Aug 17, 2016
A Prince Charming For The Prom | With Tituss Burgess
Tituss Burgess, the Emmy-nominated star of the Netflix series "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," reads us a story about teenage dreams -- the good, the bad, and the prom.
Aug 10, 2016
The Race Grows Sweeter | With Mary-Chapin Carpenter
Singer Mary-Chapin Carpenter reads a story about new love (much) later in life.
Aug 3, 2016
To Fall In Love With Anyone, Do This | With Gillian Jacobs
Gillian Jacobs -- known for the Netflix series "Love" and NBC's "Community" -- reads a story about falling in love with the help of a psychological experiment.
Jul 27, 2016
Three Mothers, One Bond | With Gaby Hoffmann
Gaby Hoffmann, known for her Emmy-nominated role in the Amazon series "Transparent," as well as her work in HBO's "Girls," reads an essay about a couple navigating the complex waters of adoption.
Jul 20, 2016
Just Friends? | With Tony Hale
Emmy Award-winning actor Tony Hale of HBO's "Veep" reads an essay about breaking up, moving on (or not), and reading between the lines.
Jul 13, 2016
Live Without Me | With Catherine Keener
Two-time Oscar nominee Catherine Keener reads Katherine Friedman Holland's essay about a near-death experience on an airplane.
Jul 6, 2016
One Last Swirl | With Jason Alexander
Jason Alexander -- best known as George Costanza from the iconic 90's sit-com "Seinfeld" -- reads a story that explores mortality with the help of a resilient pet fish.
Jun 29, 2016
Estranged Spouses | With Lance Reddick
Lance Reddick, best known as Lt. Cedric Daniels on HBO's "The Wire," reads a story about infidelity and healing.
Jun 22, 2016
Live From New York | With Michaela Watkins, Amirah Vann and Lauren Molina
Michaela Watkins, Amirah Vann and Lauren Molina read Modern Love essays live in front of a studio audience.
Jun 15, 2016
Fighting Words | With Alysia Reiner
Alysia Reiner of Orange is the New Black delivers a story about what happens when a stable relationship suddenly takes a hard left turn.
Jun 8, 2016
The Doorman | With Cecily Strong
Saturday Night Live's Cecily Strong reads a story about a woman's friendship with her doorman.
Jun 5, 2016
The Wait | Modern Love Bonus Episode
We asked you to tell us about a time when you "waited for love," and you answered from all over the world. This bonus episode of Modern Love features some of those stories.
Jun 1, 2016
Coming Out As A Modern Family | With Maria Bello
Actress Maria Bello reads her own essay about opening up to her son and the public about her love life.
May 25, 2016
How I Got To Here | With Katie Couric
Katie Couric reads Leslie Lehr's Modern Love essay about learning the true depth of her relationship with her husband.
May 18, 2016
Friends Without Benefits | With Taissa Farmiga
Taissa Farmiga reads a story about "friends without benefits" who spend years circling each other without defining their drawn-out, nebulous relationship.
May 11, 2016
A Heart Outrun | With Colin Farrell
Colin Farrell reads the story of man who had given up on love -- until it showed up at his door.
May 4, 2016
A Second Embrace | With Cheryl Strayed
Cheryl Strayed -- co-host of WBUR's "Dear Sugar" podcast and author of the best-selling memoir "Wild" -- reads a story about taking a second chance on love.
Apr 27, 2016
I See My Superhero | With Sarah Silverman
Sarah Silverman brings us a story of unconditional love ... with a few conditions.
Apr 20, 2016
Between The Bars | With Joshua Jackson
Joshua Jackson reads a story about life and love after 26 months in Iran's Evin Prison.
Apr 13, 2016
My First Lesson In Motherhood | With Connie Britton
Connie Britton narrates a story about a new mom and a tiny infant whose young life is checkered with mysteries both big and small.
Apr 6, 2016
Maddy Just Might Work | With Jennifer Finney Boylan
Jennifer Finney Boylan -- an accomplished writer, academic and activist -- reads her own essay about coming out as transgender to her two young sons.
Mar 30, 2016
Broken, Not Bound | With America Ferrera
America Ferrera reads the story of an African aid worker, and an event that drastically shifted her perspective.
Mar 23, 2016
Mom/Not Mom/Aunt | With Jesse Tyler Ferguson
Jesse Tyler Ferguson reads a story about a brother's unique need and sister's selfless gift.
Mar 21, 2016
Where It All Started | Modern Love Bonus Episode
Modern Love listeners share true stories of meeting their significant other.
Mar 16, 2016
A Millennial's Guide To Kissing | With Emmy Rossum
Emmy Rossum reads a story about a 12-hour relationship. On an airplane.
Mar 9, 2016
Seesawing Libidos | With Stephen Bogardus
Tony-nominated actor Stephen Bogardus brings us a tale of two sex drives.
Mar 8, 2016
Leaps of Faith | Modern Love Bonus Episode
We love hearing your stories of love, loss and redemption. This bonus episode features listener-submitted stories involving "leaps of faith."
Mar 2, 2016
A Faithful Leap | With Amber Tamblyn
Amber Tamblyn brings us the story of a leap of faith so dramatic, it's straight out of a movie.
Feb 24, 2016
In Darkness And In Light | With Patina Miller
Patina Miller narrates a story about one woman who has a seemingly average life and marriage -- except for the fact that she's slowly going blind.
Feb 17, 2016
Magically Interrupted | With Michael Shannon
Michael Shannon reads an essay that explores how Alzheimer's put one family back together.
Feb 14, 2016
A 'Modern Love' Audio Valentine
An audio valentine from Modern Love listeners -- for Modern Love listeners.
Feb 10, 2016
'The Plunge' | With Dakota Fanning
Dakota Fanning narrates an essay about a falling in love and falling off a cliff -- literally.
Feb 3, 2016
'An Interlude Of Clarity' | With Judd Apatow
Judd Apatow reads a story about a man whose perfect date ends up in the emergency room.
Jan 28, 2016
Not So Simple Math | With Sarah Paulson
Sarah Paulson narrates this week's episode -- a story about a woman's decision to put up her child for an open adoption.
Jan 20, 2016
One Last Swirl | With Jason Alexander
Jason Alexander narrates this story about a man projecting his deepest thoughts of mortality onto his pet fish.
Jan 20, 2016
Missed Connection | With Lauren Molina
Welcome to our first episode. Lauren Molina narrates a story about a romance that begins on an unlikely website -- Craigslist.
Dec 7, 2015
Introducing 'Modern Love: The Podcast'
Explore the trials and tribulations of love in these deeply personal essays. A collaboration of The New York Times and WBUR in Boston, Modern Love: The Podcast features the popular New York Times column, with readings by notable personalities and updates from the essayists themselves. Join host Meghna Chakrabarti (WBUR) and Modern Love editor Daniel Jones (NYT) -- and fall in love at first listen.