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Modern Love • The New York Times

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. Listen to this podcast in New York Times Audio, our new iOS app for news subscribers. Download now at nytimes.com/audioapp

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Modern Love • The New York Times

Episodes

  • Why Samin Nosrat Is Now ‘Fully YOLO’

    In this episode of "Modern Love," culinary author and TV host Samin Nosrat engages listeners with her candid reflections on the emotional dimensions of food and its intertwining with the complexities of love. Together with host Anna Martin, they delve into the realm of sensory experiences, articulating the profound reactions and connections that Nosrat attributes to her encounters with authentic tastes. Her culinary journey is not just a path of discovery but also a conduit for expressing the raw emotions that arise from personal loss and hardship, contributing genuine depth to her gastronomic narrative.

    Joining the conversation is Nosrat's partner, who offers a complementary perspective on the importance of preparing and sharing meals as a tangible expression of affection. The episode explores the couple's shared belief in cooking as an embodiment of love, infusing the labor-intensive preparation of dishes with a greater significance and framing evening meals as cherished rituals. This heartfelt discussion is further enriched by Nosrat's admiration for Amy Krauss Rosenthal, whose approach to life and creativity profoundly impacts Nosrat's philosophy of seizing the day and finding joy in the simple act of sharing good food with friends.

    Mar 20, 2024

  • Brittany Howard Sings Through the Pangs of New Love

    Dive into the soul-stirring reflections of musician Brittany Howard on the Modern Love podcast, joined by host Anna Martin in an intimate session that bridges the worlds of music, love, and self-discovery. As Howard compares her lifelong passion for fishing to the artistic tapestry of creating music, she reveals how both pursuits require a fusion of presence, patience, and persistence. Through her candid sharing, listeners can appreciate the art of turning a simple catch, whether it be a fish or a fleeting musical idea, into a work of profound significance, resonating deeply with anyone who seeks to craft beauty from the raw materials of life and nature.

    Further exploring the complexities of the human heart, Howard and Martin navigate the treacherous and exhilarating waters of new romance, shedding light on overcoming the fears and pains of past betrayals. As Howard recounts her journey toward vulnerability and readiness to embrace a new relationship with her interest, Sarah, the episode paints a vivid tableau of the angst and expectancy that characterise the early stages of love. Through Howard's experiences with meditation, spirituality, and personal growth, Modern Love listeners will find a beacon of hope and insight on nurturing patience, self-trust, and the delicate balance needed to foster meaningful connections.

    Mar 13, 2024

  • Novelist Celeste Ng on the Big Power of Little Things

    Dive into an intimate exploration of the complex relationship between a mother and daughter navigating the choppy waters of mental illness in this episode of "Modern Love." Featuring speakers like Anna Martin, alongside author Celeste Ng, and famed radio host Ira Glass, the podcast dissects the nuanced ways in which expression and connection can manifest during times of despair. The story of Marisa reflects the silent cries for help and the deep need for being understood when language falls short.

    Celeste Ng offers a personal touch by drawing parallels from her own youth, as Marisa's unconventional actions unveil a poignant struggle for empowerment. Hear how Betsy, inspired by poets Wendell Berry and Mary Oliver, taps into the subtle power of poetry to offer her daughter Marisa solace amidst her mental health challenges. Discover how such small, gentle gestures can have profound impacts on the path to recovery, signifying a tale of resilience, acceptance, and the transformative power of art as both mother and daughter seek solace and hope in each other and the world around them.

    Mar 6, 2024

  • Three Powerful Lessons About Love

    Delve into the unique world view of 'Modern Love' editor Daniel Jones in this introspective episode led by Anna Martin, with an array of guest contributions including Susanne Craig, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Connie Britton. Witness as Jones shares the transformative power of three Modern Love essays which expand his understanding of love's complexities, the importance of presentness, and the strength found in embracing life's ephemeral beauty.

    Jones discusses how the Modern Love column seeks narratives that highlight vulnerability, humility, and a genuine search for meaning in relationships. These carefully selected essays eschew arrogance, instead encouraging a space for readers to explore the intricate dance of human connection. The column’s philosophy emphasizes the power of stories to foster empathy and introspection—a testament to the nuanced approach Jones brings to a column cherished by many.

    Feb 28, 2024

  • Modern Love at the Movies: Our Favorite Oscar-Worthy Love Stories

    Dive into the artistic world of "Modern Love," where film critics like Alissa Wilkinson join Anna Martin and Ira Glass to deconstruct the fabric of romantic narratives in modern cinema. This compelling installment of the podcast examines the evolution of relationships in movies, moving from formulaic conventions to complex, and sometimes unconventional, tales of human connection. As they explore how current critically-acclaimed films are challenging and expanding audience perceptions of love and partnership, the conversation becomes a mirror reflecting the ever-changing landscape of societal norms and personal identities.

    Witness a profound analysis of the cinematic journey from traditional love stories to the intricate tales that capture today's varied experiences of affection and self-discovery. The podcast delves into the independence of Bella Baxter in "Poor Things," the passionate turbulence within Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montalegra's marriage in "Maestro," and the unconventional reconnection of Nora and Haesung in "Past Lives." "Modern Love" offers a discerning look at how relationships steer narratives and characters' actions in movies—demonstrating the power of film to both echo and shape the contemporary understanding of intimate bonds.

    Feb 23, 2024