Dear Prudence - podcast cover

Dear Prudence

Slate Podcastsslate.com
Slate's premier advice column, featuring Jenée Desmond-Harris, helps you navigate the thorniest questions of relationships, work, and life. Want more Dear Prudence? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes with exclusive advice. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Dear Prudence show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/prudie-plus to get access wherever you listen.
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Episodes

My Partner’s Relationship With His Ex Makes Me Feel Like the Third Wheel. Help!

In this episode, Tia Williams (bestselling author of The Perfect Find) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer letters from readers about how to cope with excessive Facebook photos of your partner’s ex, how to mourn a racist in-law’s death, and how to have a cute summer romance in Italy. If you want more Dear Prudence, join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to sign up. It’s just $15 for your firs...

Sep 15, 202337 min

My Sister Is Lying to My Nephews About Their Father's Identity. Help!

In this episode, Gene Demby (co-host of NPR's Code Switch) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer letters from readers about crushes that are complicated by power dynamics, family secrets about racial identity, and whether loud talking is a cultural issue that could end a relationship. If you want more Dear Prudence, join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to sign up. It’s just $15 for your first...

Sep 08, 202345 min

Relationship Podcasts Are Ruining My Friend's Life. Help!

In this episode, Dr. Orna Guralnik (host of Showtime's Couples Therapy) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer letters from readers about what to do when a friend is obsessed with misogynistic love and relationship podcasts, when your husband just can’t figure out birthday gifts, and when you’re wondering “Does therapy just not work for me?” If you want more Dear Prudence, join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slat...

Sep 01, 202341 min

My Wife Goes Braless Around Our Teenage Sons. Help!

In this episode, Brian Lehrer (host of WNYC’s The Brian Lehrer Show) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer letters from readers about how roommates should handle mismatched levels of COVID caution, how to split a check when your friends forget they had appetizers, and how to settle a debate about going braless around teenage sons. If you want more Dear Prudence, join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prud...

Aug 25, 202345 min

I Told My Husband I May Have Postpartum Depression—He Did Nothing. Help!

In this episode, Lori Gottlieb (advice columnist and co-host of the Dear Therapists podcast) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer letters from readers about postpartum depression, wedding-planning anxiety, and what to do when you think neurodivergent people are getting away with way too much. If you want more Dear Prudence, join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to sign up. It’s just $15 for y...

Aug 18, 202351 min

My Co-Worker Won’t Stop Sending Me Friend Requests Online. Help!

In this episode, Joel Anderson (the host of the latest season of Slate’s Slow Burn) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer letters about persistent friend requests from colleagues, allegations of white supremacy surrounding graduation attire, and what to do when your biggest relationship issue is cat litter in the bed. If you want more Dear Prudence, join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to sig...

Aug 11, 202329 min

My Sister Is Doing Everything She Can to Make Me Suffer at Her Wedding. Help!

In this episode, Jasmine Guillory (a New York Times bestselling author) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer letters from readers who are obsessing about what happens when an affair partner becomes a coworker, girls’ trip drama, and friends with benefits who also have benefits with other friends. If you want more Dear Prudence, join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to sign up. It’s just $15 f...

Aug 04, 202335 min

My Boyfriend Hid His Hobby From Me—Civil War Reenactments. Help!

In this episode, Damon Young (a writer, critic, and a self-proclaimed “professional black person”) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer letters from readers who are obsessing about their lackluster high school tennis careers, their awkward interaction with their crushes, and whether participation in civil war reenactments is a dating deal breaker. If you want more Dear Prudence, join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Th...

Jul 28, 202347 min

How Do I Disclose to My Kids That I've Had an Abortion–Twice? Help!

In this episode, Jessica Valenti (a feminist columnist and author) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer readers’ letters about whether it’s okay to ghost friends who don’t respect your reproductive choices, how to deal with a spouse who is a slob, and when to tell your kids you’ve had an abortion. If you want more Dear Prudence, join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. This week she answers a question about what to do whe...

Jul 21, 202349 min

My Friends Got Me a Terrible Birthday Gift. Help!

In this episode, Josh Gondelman (author, producer, and stand-up comedian) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer readers’ dilemmas about workplace coffee runs, unwanted birthday gifts, pets who steal food—and husbands who react really strangely when that happens. If you want more Dear Prudence, join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. This week she answers a question about what to do when a grandparent food-polices a toddle...

Jul 14, 202337 min

I Hate My Fiancé’s Mustache—but He Refuses to Get Rid of It. Help!

In this episode, Meredith Goldstein (advice columnist and features writer for The Boston Globe) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer readers’ dilemmas about commitment, wedding locations, and whether you’re allowed to make demands about your partner’s facial hair. If you want more Dear Prudence, join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to sign up. It’s just $15 for your first three months. Podca...

Jul 07, 202345 min

A Co-Worker I Dated is Spreading Rumors About Our Breakup. Help!

In this episode, Candice Lim (co-host of Slate’s ICYMI) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer letters from readers about whether to reject invitations from friends with filthy homes, how to cope when everyone at the office thinks you're a cheater, and what to do when you suspect your ambitious partner is about to burn out…and you’re kind of happy about it. If you want more Dear Prudence, join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for mem...

Jun 30, 202341 min

How Do You Know When It’s Time to Break Up With a Friend? Help!

In this episode, Alisha Wainwright (actor and host of the new podcast series, When Science Finds A Way) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer your letters from readers about friends who don’t call you when they’re in your town, the pros and cons of dating divorced men, and what to do when you’ve pressured your friend to break up with someone who… ends up being a great husband to someone else. If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée an...

Jun 23, 202349 min

I Tested My Partner’s Parenting Readiness and He’s Upset. Help!

In this episode, Ophira Eisenberg (host of the new comedy podcast Parenting Is A Joke) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer your letters from readers about whether to make your partner pass a test before having kids, how to handle it when you fall for someone else right in front of your boyfriend, and what to do when your friend seems to think she’s adorable and it really bothers you. If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers a...

Jun 16, 202339 min

I Think My Husband Is Quiet Quitting Our Marriage. Help!

In this episode, Shan Boodram (host of Lovers and Friends and Bumble's Sex & Relationship Expert) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer your letters from readers about what to do when your work crush starts ignoring you, when your spouse quietly quits the marriage, and when a partner’s mom seems to control his every move. If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.co...

Jun 09, 202339 min

I Think My Wife Is Cheating On Me—With A Robot. Help!

In this episode, the co-hosts of Stitcher’s Vibe Check, Sam Sanders, Saeed Jones, and Zach Stafford joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer your letters from readers about sharing food with ungrateful people, wanting to date a friend’s crush, and getting emotional needs satisfied by AI. If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to sign up. It’s just $15 for...

Jun 02, 202355 min

I Saved My Neighbor’s Life And Now She Won't Leave Me Alone. Help!

In this episode, Kelsey McKinney (host of Radiotopia’s Normal Gossip and co-owner of Defector.com) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer your letters from readers about who to share random thoughts with after your spouse dies, what to do when you’ve saved a neighbor’s life but don’t want to be friends with her, and how to handle petty insults in the family group chat. If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question e...

May 26, 202340 min

I Think My Dad Is Cheating On My Mom. Help!

In this episode, co-host of Red Table Talk and host of Positively Gam Adrienne “Gammy” Banfield Norris joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer your letters from readers about friends who make bad choices, a groomzilla who is being snobby about wedding planning, and a 70-year-old father who might be cheating using dating apps. If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/...

May 19, 202336 min

My Co-Worker Repeatedly Ignores My Boundaries. Help!

In this episode, LeVar Burton --award-winning actor, director, and educator-- joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer your letters from readers about stealing from abusive parents, sharing snacks with children, and how to cope as an actor when you don’t land a role you really wanted. If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to sign up. It’s just $15 for yo...

May 12, 202337 min

Should I Travel Across the World With My Ex? Help!

In this episode, Aisha Harris (co-host for NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer your letters from readers with dilemmas about friends who are terrible writers, coworkers who use therapy speak, and whether it’s a good idea to travel with an ex. If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to sign up. It’s just $15 for your first...

May 05, 202338 min

I Was Only “Verbally” Invited to a Wedding. Help!

In this episode, Cheyna Roth (podcast producer for Slate’s The Waves) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer your letters about weddings: whether parents are obligated to pay for weddings they don’t support, whether a mean sister should get to attend an elopement, and whether you are really invited if you don’t have a paper invitation in hand. If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for member...

Apr 28, 202341 min

My Close Friend Is Spiraling And I Live Far Away. Help!

In this episode, Lane Moore (bestselling author of How To Be Alone and the upcoming You Will Find Your People) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer your letters about friends: how to make them, how to help them when they’re spiraling, and whether to tell them when they’re making bad relationship choices. Also, since this is Pet Advice Week at Slate, we’ll have a question or two about pet dilemmas. If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Je...

Apr 21, 202342 min

My Husband Wants Our 9-Year-Old Son to Play Tackle Football. Help!

In this episode, Bomani Jones (host of HBO’s Game Theory With Bomani Jones and The Right Time With Bomani Jones) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer questions from letter writers about workplace socializing, friends who are no longer likable people, and youth football. If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to sign up. It’s just $15 for your first th...

Apr 14, 202337 min

I Don’t Want My Dad to Attend My Daughter’s Wedding. Help!

In this episode, Danny M. Lavery (former Prudie and host of Slate’s Big Mood, Little Mood) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to recount his time answering your questions and take on new ones from people dealing with unwanted gifts, wedding dilemmas, and a parent refusing to let their college-aged daughter get a gun. If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to ...

Apr 07, 202346 min

I Think Black Tourists Are in Danger in My Town. Help!

In this episode, Jamilah Lemieux (co-host of Slate’s Mom and Dad are Fighting) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer questions from letter writers about saving friends from bad relationships, warning Black tourists in a sundown town, and how to deal when your spouse cares more about his dog than about your children. If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudiepl...

Mar 31, 202341 min

My Wife’s Friend Is Not Her Friend. Help!

In this episode, Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) answers questions from letter writers about coping with aging, dealing with a spouse’s out-of-control frenemy, and explaining a little medicinal drug use to in-laws. Tonya Mosley (host of Webby award-winning podcast Truth Be Told) joins to share some nuggets of wisdom. If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to sig...

Mar 24, 202341 min

My Mom Doesn’t Think My Fiancé Is Enough. Help!

In this episode, Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) answers questions from letter writers who are dealing with judgemental parents, homophobic in-laws, and neighbors who throw dog poop over the fence. Mark Joseph Stern (a Slate senior writer) joins to share advice on what to do. If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to sign up. It’s just $15 for your first three m...

Mar 17, 202340 min

Should I Have A Baby? Help!

In this episode, Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) answers questions from letter writers who are stuck in high-paying jobs, deciding whether to bring kids into this world, confronting a “Karen,” and dealing with a classic topic – judgy in-laws. Wajahat Ali (author and a Daily Beast columnist) joins to lend his wisdom. If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to sign...

Mar 10, 202338 min

Almost 50 with No Friends. Help!

In this episode, Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) answers questions about how to build meaningful friendships, dating someone with PTSD, and awkward gift exchanges. Jonquilyn Hill (host of Vox’s The Weeds) joins to share advice on what to do. If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to sign up. It’s just $15 for your first three months. Podcast production by Se’era...

Mar 03, 202331 min

Sister Wants Me to Be Her Surrogate. Help!

In this episode, Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) is tackling questions about text etiquette, whether or not to allow children at a wedding, and weighing the heavy decision of surrogacy for a sibling. Slate’s own Rachelle Hampton (host of ICYMI) joins dole out some words of wisdom. If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to sign up. It’s just $15 for your first th...

Feb 24, 202340 min
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