Modern Love - podcast cover

Modern Love

The New York Timeswww.nytimes.com
For 20 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. Each week, host Anna Martin brings you stories and conversations about love in all its glorious permutations, dumb pitfalls and life-changing moments. New episodes every Wednesday. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Listen to this podcast in New York Times Audio, our new iOS app for news subscribers. Download now at nytimes.com/audioapp

Episodes

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. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Oct 16, 201921 minEp. 206

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 t...

Oct 09, 201931 minEp. 205

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. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Oct 02, 201920 minEp. 204

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. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify....

Sep 25, 201918 minEp. 203

Screens Between Us With Issa Rae | Encore

Issa Rae reads an essay about the intimacy and distance synonymous with online dating. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Sep 18, 201920 minEp. 202

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. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Sep 11, 201918 minEp. 201

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. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Sep 04, 201924 minEp. 200

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." Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcas...

Aug 28, 201920 minEp. 199

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") Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Aug 21, 201923 minEp. 198

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. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Aug 14, 201922 minEp. 197

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"). Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify....

Aug 07, 201921 minEp. 196

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"). Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts ...

Jul 31, 201928 minEp. 195

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.") Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify....

Jul 24, 201919 minEp. 194

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. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Jul 17, 201919 minEp. 193

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.") Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Jul 10, 201924 minEp. 192

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. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Jul 03, 201920 minEp. 191

An Affection Multiplier | With Zachary Quinto

Can a tiny dog change the dynamics of a marriage? Zachary Quinto ("NOS4A2") reads Bob Morris's essay. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Jun 26, 201919 minEp. 190

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. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify....

Jun 19, 201921 minEp. 189

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. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Jun 12, 201919 minEp. 188

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. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Jun 05, 201923 minEp. 187

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"). Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

May 29, 201923 minEp. 186

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. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

May 22, 201922 minEp. 185

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.") Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spo...

May 15, 201921 minEp. 184

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. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

May 08, 201920 minEp. 183

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. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

May 01, 201920 minEp. 182

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"). Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Apr 24, 201921 minEp. 181

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"). Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and...

Apr 17, 201921 minEp. 180

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. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Apr 10, 201919 minEp. 179

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. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify....

Apr 03, 201923 minEp. 178

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. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Mar 27, 201921 minEp. 177